(Editor’s Note: The Mountain Times mistakenly had this listed as Saturday in the print edition; the correct date is Sunday, Jan. 14.)
By Evan Johnson
KILLINGTON—The snow gods demand sacrifice and Vince Chiarella has a way to appease them while supporting local philanthropy: This Sunday evening, Jan. 14, Killington residents and visitors can bring their Christmas trees to Charity’s Tavern and Restaurant at 5 p.m. for a bonfire.
The event was inspired three years ago by an absence of snow and a surplus of Rotary Christmas trees.
“It started off as an offering to the snow gods,” Chiarella said. “We got snow the next day.”
The previous two events were held behind Pasta Pot on Route 4 in Killington.
“We’re very grateful for all their years of allowing us to hold the event there.” he said, noting that this year’s venue has been changed to the more centrally located Charity’s Tavern Restarurant.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Killington-Pico Rotary club and the Vermont Special Olympics, which will be holding it’s 2018 Winter Games at Pico Mountain, March 18 – 20.
Organizers hope to have some of the athletes lead a procession and light the fire with an Olympic torch. There will games for kids and for those age 21 and older, participants will attempt to set a record for Killington’s longest shot ski. Houses with a shot ski are encouraged to bring theirs at around 6:30 p.m.
“It’s going to be a fun event and we hope we can get people to come out for it,” he said.
Photo by Robin Alberti
