Worldclass entertainment to take the Kona Big Wave Stage

By Polly Mikula

The action begins Friday on the Kona Big Wave Stage in the Festival Village at K-1 Base Area, which opens at 3 p.m. Live music with 220 KID begins at 5 p.m. with the Athlete Bib Presentation party at 5:45 p.m. followed by fireworks. It’s quite the kickoff to the race weekend! 

There will be an emcee pumping up the crowd and the athletes, prizes, a t-shirt gun, mascots, vendors, food and beverages and more. The evening concludes with a bang as the fireworks display is enhanced by the reflections off the snow cover slopes.

Action continues with free concerts around the races Saturday and Sunday. Mix Master Mike is performing between runs Saturday and Young the Giant is playing Saturday after the second run of the Giant Slalom event. Matisyahu is preforming Sunday between Slalom runs. See page 29 for more information on each artist.

“The Killington Cup is much more than a race, it is also one of the biggest parties of the year,” said Killington President and General Manager Mike Solimano. “With great music all weekend long, spanning genres, this year’s line up is sure to keep fans’ toes tapping between heart-pounding runs on the course.”

“The Northeast’s passion for ski racing runs deep,” Solimano continued. “The athletes, fans and volunteers bring a level of energy that is unmatched by anything else we experience at the resort.”

“The Killington Cup has become a fan and athlete favorite,” said Eric Webster, senior director of events at U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “It’s a true celebration of ski racing excellence, the international race community, and inspires the next generation. Since bringing World Cup ski racing back to New England, Killington Resort and Vermont has set a new precedent for ski racing internationally, boasting the largest World Cup crowd for women on the entire circuit.”

Fans are encouraged to dress warmly and wear waterproof footwear as the festival village area is snowy and can be wet and/or muddy.