EAST BURKE, Vermont — As another winter comes to an end, Burke Mountain is gearing up to welcome spring with its annual Pond Skimming Contest on Saturday, March 24. Sponsored by Trout River Brewing Company, this is always the most popular and boisterous event of the season.

The event begins at 1:00 PM at the bottom of Warren’s Way, just above the Mid-Burke Lodge, and is open to participants ages 18 and up. This year’s theme is ???story book characters,??? so put together your best costume, along with an old pair of skis or a snowboard, and compete for the title of King or Queen of Pond Skimming. Winners will receive a season pass for the 2007-08 ski season.

For those hearty souls who brave the chilly waters, there will also be prizes given for Best Costumes, Best Exit, Biggest Splash, and Best Wet Look. While participants agree that it’s fun to compete, spectators have an equally good time enjoying the sights, a live broadcast by WGMT Magic 97.7 FM, a barbecue at the Trout River Beer Tent, and of course, the dramatic splashdowns. The fun continues with an apr??s ski party at the Bear Den Lounge in the Mid-Burke Lodge.