Chill out

Posted: Feb. 3, 2010

City of Oconomowoc — rganizers are hoping that local residents will come out to celebrate winter at the annual Chillfest event held at Highlands of Olympia on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Back this year after unseasonable temperatures forced the cancellation of last winter's event, Chillfest is gearing up with fan favorites along with a glimpse at the filming of a television show.

A nationally-known reality show will be filming the finale of a month-long show at the ski hill, coinciding with Chillfest.

Organizer Dan Gogin said he is contractually obligated not to discuss the name of the show or the network that carries it.

Suffice to say, it is a show on a cable network popular with young people about receiving instruction to gain a specific ability or skill set.

In addition to the bright lights of Hollywood, Chillfest will host a number of competitive and fun events.

"Noon is the cardboard race. This is a lot of fun and it's open to people of all ages," Gogin said.

Participants, a maximum of four and a minimum of two, are given cardboard and tape with which to fashion a sled. They compete to see who can cross the finish line with two people on the sled first.

"Last year we had two heats; 13 in the first and 12 in the second.

Participants begin building at 10:45; they get one hour to construct their sled.

At 2:30 p.m., is the Slopestyle Competition. This is a hill with a series of snowboard and ski features. Participants go down the hill and hit these features and they are scored on how many they hit and the tricks they do off of them.

"Last time we had 30 to 40 contestants," in that event, Gogin said.

At 5 p.m. is an event called Big Air.

"This is similar to what's going on in X Games. It's one big jump, it's a 40-foot jump with about a 25-foot clearing on to an appropriate landing," he said.

Scoring is done on the difficulty and style of the maneuvers.

"It's how smooth they are, and how easy they make it look," Gogin pointed out.

A torch light parade by the ski patrol begins about 8 p.m., followed by a 20 to 30-minute fireworks demonstration.

In addition to the sporting events, Chillfest will offer a great mix of food, beverages and live music.

A pig roast will be available all day in the Lodge or Bar, and a Bloody Mary bar will be open throughout the event.

Three bands will be on hand to provide music at different points during the day.

Captain Fun and the Q Band, a funk-rock instrumental band formed by Oconomowoc High School students will perform from 2 to 4 p.m., followed from 6 to 8 p.m. by Lights Camera Action.

From 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. will be the music of Broken G-String.

If you go

Highlands of Olympia Chillfest, Saturday, Feb. 6

• Noon - recycled cardboard race

• 2:30 p.m. - Slopestyle competition

• 5 p.m. - Big Air

• Free live music from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m., pig roast, torch light parade and more