Second annual Blueberry Ball set for this Saturday ‘rain or shine’

PALMER — Skeetawk, managed by Hatcher Alpine Xperience, is holding its second annual Blueberry Ball, this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Skeetawk ski area, located at Mile 10.6 Hatcher Pass Road.

Inspired by the mountain’s iconic berries, this fundraising event is designed to celebrated the lands natural beauty, bounty and HAX’s ultimate goal to establish a ski lift, about 50 years in the making.

“Once you go up there and see the mountings you get the feeling the opportunity, of freedom, everything you have up there. It’s such a remarkable place. I think that’s a part of the attraction,” Hatcher Alpine Xperience Executive Director Amy O’Connor said.

This free event will feature a variety of events and activities including a bounce house and egg toss. There will also be a food truck on site. Local musicians will provide live music and there will be a chance for HAX members to win a new Split board or Skis from SkiAK.

“We will be up there rain or shine having a blast no matter what,” O’Connor said.

Anyone interested in registering as a member to enter the contest and start to get involved with the non-profit organization’s efforts can do so prior to by visiting the Skeetawk website skeetawk.com.

“It’s a very Alaska-style ball. This is not a black-tie event, this is a Carhartt and extra tough clothes event. And it’s completely family friendly,” O’Connor said.

Last year there was a blueberry pie eating contest. This year, there will be something different, pies still included. Locals chefs of all ages are invited to bring their blueberry creations to the first annual Blueberry Bake-Off with four categories not limited to just baking. Categories include both adult and youth competitions for blueberry baked goods (pies, muffins etc.) and blueberry preserves (jams, chutney, etc.) with prizes for all. There will also be a guided hike along the Skeetawk trails with a scavenger hunt for the kids along the way. O’Connor said this will be a chance for the public to learn about all the groundwork done up to this point, preparing for the lift.

O’Connor wanted to clarify a common misconception about their project. The ultimate goal is not to create an Alyeska-like environment with huge hotels, restaurants like some people fear. The ultimate goal is to maintain Hatcher Pass’ natural beauty and install a 1,250 foot, triple-chair lift at the Skeetawk area by the winter of 2019 or 2020. After years of fundraising, outreach and countless hours of work done up there to prepare, O’Connor feels confident they will make it by 2020 at the latest.

“$600,000 will get us there and beyond,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor stressed that they are still actively looking for donations and sponsors. $7,000 sponsorships grant the donor’s name on a life chair and anyone who decides to pay $600,000 will have the entire lift named after them, according to O’Connor.

HAX had a recent board meeting with plenty of new things to share with public soon, she said.

“We will be making big announcements in next couple weeks, exiting news pending,” O’Connor said.

For more information, call: 907-746-7277 or email: skihatcherpass@gmail.com.