WEST DOVER, Vermont — Wildlife sightings at Mount Snow will be more common than usual during Columbus Day weekend, but guests visiting for the 10th Annual Oktoberfest and 34th Annual Harvest Art and Craft Festival have nothing to fear from these colorful creatures.

Thirty-two life-sized bears will be exhibited in front of the Mount Snow Grand Summit Hotel starting at 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. Hand-painted by local artists, these bears have been on display along Routes 9 and 100 since Memorial Day weekend, as part of the Bears in the Valley project organized by Celebrate the Valley.

Later that evening, the bears will be auctioned off for charity during a black-tie optional gala in the Mount Snow Grand Summit Hotel’s Somerset Ballroom. Tickets can be purchased through the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce by calling 802-464-8092.

Scenic chairlift rides will be available each day in addition to the other planned festivities. Chairlift tickets can be purchased at Mount Snow Sports, located in the Grand Summit Hotel next to the Grand Summit Express chairlift.

Oktoberfest features live music from the Oberlander Hofbrau Band, fun games and activities for all ages, German food and many regional microbrews. Activities include: face painting, pumpkin painting, an apple sling shot, stein holding, the log saw contest, horseshoes, and the great Schnitzel Toss.

The Oktoberfest event starts each day at noon in the tent located in the Main Base Area. Adult admission is $18 for a single day or $25 for the weekend; while ages 21 and under pay $12 for a single day or $20 for two days. Children ages 5 and under are admitted for free. Admission includes a souvenir stein and one drink token.

The Harvest Art and Craft Show begins at 10:00 am in the Main Base Lodge. Artisans and crafters from across New England showcase fine watercolor paintings, woodwork, fleece, photography, fudge, salsa, kids’ crafts and more. Admission is free for all ages.

For more information or lodging packages, call 1-800-245-SNOW or visit www.mountsnow.com.