“This is my kind of event!” says Hill resident, Wolf. He’s a Siberian Husky”By Carol McCracken (Post # 379)

The 2nd Annual Downtown Showdown is coming to Monument Square this Saturday, January 30th. It begins at 5:00 PM. The event is sponsored by Sunday River and Sugarloaf with support from the City of Portland. The two resorts will build a two-story take off and 30-foot long staircase with the new feature of a cannon rail for skier and snowboarders to slide down. According to a press release issued by the City, the Downtown Showdown is an invitation-only competition including twelve skiers and twelve snowboarders from industry teams, shop and academics, who will be competing for cash and prizes. For more information about the event, visit www.thedowntownshowdown.com

Furthermore, set-up for the Downtown Showdown will begin today, Thursday, at Monument Square. Tomorrow, Friday, starting at 9:00 a.m. the structure for the event will be built and at approximately 1:00 pm., snow will be added.

The Downtown Showdown is a precursor for the 2nd Annual Portland WinteRush. Last year, WinteRush, “Maine’s coolest outdoor festival”, was held in Lilncoln Park in downtown Portland. “We wanted to try a different venue and Deering Oak Park has ice skating, natural hills and space for cross-country skiing,” said Nicole Clegg, city spokesperson. So, this year the event has been moved to Deering Oaks Park. For more information, please visit www.portlandwinterush.com
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