5th Annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim @ Mt. Hood Meadows

120 skiers and snowboarders are preparing to launch across 90 feet of frigid water at the 5th annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Presented by Kona Brewing Company, the Sno-Kona Pond Skim takes place at Mt. Hood Meadows with festivities kicking into high gear from 11:00 to 3:00 pm. The day will be jam-packed with live music, Polynesian décor, leis and other giveaways, a fashion show production by Jillian Rabe featuring locally owned KEEN footwear and Popina Swimwear and of course, plentiful sampling of Kona’s new Koko Brown Ale.  Online registration fills fast and is accessible through the Mt. Hood Meadows site.

The tension builds throughout the day with all contestants vying for the grand prize of a trip for two to Hawaii, including round trip airfare and lodging courtesy of All About Hawaii. As an added bonus, this year, an additional trip for two to Hawaii will be drawn, valued at $1,800. The drawing will be held at approximately 2:15 pm on Saturday, April 30, and winner must be present at the drawing. People may enter once per day in one of the three boxes currently stationed at Mt. Hood Meadows’ main lodge. No purchase to register and one entry per person per day. Mt. Hood Meadows employees are not eligible for this drawing, but are welcome to participate in the Pond Skim for a chance to win prizes.

The field is limited to 120 competitors, 21 and over, who will take a qualifying run, and if they make it across the pond they’ll advance to the skim-offs. The earlier competitors register online, the later they are scheduled to skim, an advantage for those not wanting to be one of the first to skim the icy waters.

Local celebrity judges at the event will include weather guru Matt Zaffino from KGW-TV, 105.9 The Brew afternoon radio personality Bozyk and 94.7 KNRK’s Squid. Grand prize is the trip for two to the Big Island of Hawaii with a $50 certificate from Kona Brewing; second place is a Kona beach cruiser. Third place winner will be treated to a $50 gift certificate from Bamboo Grove Island Grille in Portland. Judging will be based on the following criteria:


·      Best skimming style·      Best costume·      Best impression made by a woman·      Best showmanship comprised of Best costume and Best crowd reaction

Cost to participate in the Sno-Kona Pond Skim includes a complimentary Kona Brewing beach towel and celebratory Kona beer, following participation in the event. Day of registration may open up if spots are available, and the event date will be changed to Sunday, May 1st in the case of inclement weather.  For more information on Kona Brewing, please visit www.konabrewingco.com