| Deals | Vacation Planning | Mountain | Tickets & Passes | Rentals & Lessons | Things To Do | Comp Center | Groups | Real Estate |
August 7, 2007
40,000 MOTORCYCLISTS TO CONVERGE AT WINTER PARK, COLORADO FOR "SALUTE TO AMERICAN VETERANS RALLY AND FESTIVAL" – THE LARGEST EVENT OF ITS KIND IN WESTERN U.S.
To download this press release as a Word document, click here.
Media Contacts
Darcy Morse: (970) 726-1565
Jenn deBerge: (970) 726-1573
Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall Makes First Appearance at Rally
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient to be Guest Speaker
Governor Declares Aug. 17 – 19 American Veterans Rally Days
WINTER PARK, COLO., Aug. 7, 2007 – For the first time, Winter Park and the Fraser Valley will host the 15th Annual Salute to American Veterans Rally and Festival Aug. 17 - 19. The patriotic event that honors America's military heroes, including veterans and active duty members, is the largest of its kind in the western United States and typically draws 40,000 motorcyclists. To mark the day, Governor Bill Ritter has declared the weekend "American Veterans Rally Days".
"We're really excited to be moving the rally to the Winter Park area," said Jim Wear, President of Pro Promotions and the event organizer. "Winter Park is easily accessible to Denver and offers participants extensive lodging and dining options. Plus, the area has the best and most picturesque riding roads and recreational opportunities that Colorado has to offer."
The weekend is full of events. Highlights include:
• First Time Appearance of the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall.
Daily: On display at the Fraser Sports Complex, the Wall is an 80 percent replica of the original and stands more than 8 feet tall, is 370 feet long and has 58,453 engraved names.
• Honored Guest Speakers, including Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient.
12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18: Navy Seal Michael Thornton, recipient of our nation's highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, will be the guest speaker during the 20th POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony in Hideaway Park. Other speakers include ex-POW Thomas H. Kirk, Jr., Brigadier General Norman H. Andersson, Major Bryan K. Wood, Command Sergeant Major Terrance D. McWilliams, and Master Gunnery Sergeant Steve E. Martinez.
• 20th Anniversary of Colorado's Largest Procession of Motorcycles
10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 18: The POW/MIA Recognition Ride is a police escorted ride that features more than 5,000 bikes traveling from Granby through Fraser and into the town of Winter Park.
• Military Aircraft Flyovers
11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 18: Keep your eyes to the skies for aircraft flyovers including F-16 jet fighters, Kiowa Scout helicopters, Blackhawk Attack helicopters, Vietnam era Huey UH-1 helicopters, and a rare de Havilland DH-112 "Venom" fighter jet.
• Official Rally BBQ Party with Free Music by Brethren Fast
5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18: Party at Winter Park Resort
• 12th Annual High Altitude Tattoo Competition
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 19: Registration, Competition at 2 p.m.
Held at Winter Park Resort's West Portal building. Free for spectators and $5 for participants.
LODGING
Stay the weekend for only $78 per person, per night (based on double occupancy in a one bedroom slopeside condo) at Zephyr Mountain Lodge. Located at the base of Winter Park Resort, Zephyr Mountain Lodge is close to all the weekend's activities, and features secure motorcycle parking in an underground garage. For more information, visit www.skiwinterpark.com/deals or call Winter Park Central Reservations at (800) 729-5813.
For full event details and camping information, visit www.winterparkresort.com or call the Guest Services Information Hotline at (970) 726-1564.
###
ABOUT WINTER PARK RESORT
Winter Park Resort is located just 67 miles northwest of Denver, but remains a world away thanks in part to its unique location amidst the Fraser Valley and Continental Divide. Home to Colorado's longest Alpine Slide and over 600 miles of interconnected mountain bike trails, Winter Park Resort is a summer haven for the kid and the kid at heart. To learn more about Winter Park Resort in the summer, including a list of events, daily activities and vacation packages visit www.winterparkresort.com.
