NEWRY, Maine — Sunday River’s biggest party of the year, Parrot Head Weekend is slated for April 4-6 and features nearly 20 events spread over three days including four different Jimmy Buffet cover bands, the infamous margarita mixoff, pond skimming, the Bust ???n’ Burn mogul competition and more. The Parrot Head Festival was recently ranked as one of Skiing Magazine’s top 5 Mountain Fests. More information is available at http://www.sundayriver.com/parrothead.html.

The fundraising weekend, which benefits the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Maine, kicks off Friday night with the Parrot Head Prime-up Party at White Cap Lodge at 8:00 p.m.

Saturday action will begin with the Bust ???n’ Burn mogul competition at 9:30 a.m. New England’s top amateur and pro bump skier competition will consist of over 200 competitors racing down Tempest with spectators looking on from the White Cap base area. The day will also feature live entertainment from 12:00 ??“ 4:00 p.m., BBQ, and a argarita mixoff at 2:00 p.m. Saturday night heats up with the Parrot Head Concert and Party at the White Cap Lodge featuring Jimmy Buffet Cover bands.

Sunday the party continues with the top finalists in the Bust ???n’ Burn competition battling it out for cash and other prizes starting at 10:00 a.m., pond skimming at 11:00 a.m., a key lime pie eating contest at 1:00 p.m. and the Bust ???n’ Burn awards ceremony at the conclusion of the competition.

The weekend prior to Parrot Head is also jam packed with events including:

23rd Annual Maine Handicapped Skiing Ski-A-Thon ??“ March 29

The flagship fundraising event for MHS raises 65 percent of their annual operating budget. Participation includes breakfast, lunch, an apr??s ski dinner, goodie bag and free skiing courtesy of Sunday River. www.skimhs.org

Bud Light Concert Series Presents Edwin McCain ??“ March 29

Garnering the attention of millions with songs like “I’ll Be,” and the Diane Warren-penned top 40 hit “I Could Not Ask For More,” McCain blends equal parts folk, soul and rock.

18th Annual Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff ??“ March 30

Sample chili made by the best cooks from the area as they vie for the prize of Best Chili Cook and bragging rights. All chili must be prepared on site and from scratch. The batches are offered up for guests and celebrity judges to taste; guests can vote for their favorite to receive the People’s Choice award.

18th Annual Firefighters’ Race ??“ March 30

Watch teams of five firefighters in full gear race down a giant slalom course on the Tempest Trail while toting 50 feet of fire hose. Teams come from all over Maine to raise money for Maine Handicapped Skiing in this competition, which is a fan favorite.

New England Pass

March and April guests will be able to take advantage of significant savings on the recently announced New England Pass valid at Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Loon Mountain for the 2008-2009 season. Renewing pass holders can save an additional $50 and new pass holders can ski for free after March 23. New England Passes start at $349. More information is available at www.newenglandpass.com.