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GCHA’s Annual Dinner Celebrates History, Skiing at Winter Park Base

History and skiing will collide at the base of Winter Park on Saturday, Nov. 13, when the Grand County Historical Association (GCHA) hosts its annual dinner and silent auction in Moffat Market.

The public is invited to attend this special event and support Grand County history.

Karen Gadberry of Winter Park Resort will emcee the event, offering interesting tidbits about the ski area’s history throughout the night. The evening’s program features a special presentation by former Winter Park Guest Services Host Frank Pilkington, author of What’s In a Name at Winter Park and Mary Jane Resort?



The book, which has been a recent best seller at the Grand County museum gift shops, traces the origin of Winter Park and Mary Jane’s ski trail names, celebrating the history and stories behind them.

The evening begins with cocktail hour and a silent auction from 6-7 p.m. The silent auction features local gift certificates to some of Grand County’s best restaurants, lodging, retail stores and outdoor activities.



Books, journals, and other gifts, in addition to classic black and white Grand County historical photographs will be for sale throughout the event.

Dinner includes angel hair pesto pasta with julienne vegetables and

vegetarian lasagna with meat sauce with salad and bread, served at 7 p.m.

Pilkington will speak from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Pilkington began skiing in 1966 and discovered Winter Park in 1968 as a member of the Eskimo Ski Club of Denver. He attended Western State College where Professor Abbot Fay influenced his passion for history. Frank taught history, geography, and government in Denver public schools for 32 years where he also sponsored a ski club for students.

After retiring as a teacher, Frank volunteered with WP Resort as a Guest Services Host for three years. Having skied Winter Park for more than 40 years, Frank’s enthusiasm for both skiing and history led him to write What’s in a Name at Winter Park and Mary Jane Resorts.

Following the presentation, the silent auction ends as cannolis and coffee are served. Pilkington will sign books and chat with guests until the event ends at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for two in advance and $35 at the door. Tables (eight seats) can be purchased for $200 through Nov. 6.

Tickets are available at Pioneer Village Museum in Hot Sulphur Springs, Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser, or reserve tickets (will call) by phone at (970) 725 – 3939.

Handicap/disabled parking is available, please call for more information.

All proceeds benefit the Grand County Historical Association, a local 501C3 non-profit organization that operates three Grand County Historical Museums: Heritage Park in Kremmling, Pioneer Village in Hot Sulphur Springs, and Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser and publishes dozens of journals and books about Grand County history. GCHA also is building an educational program for adults and children that will be presented in the school and at special events throughout this coming year.

To view the many buildings of the three unique museums, learn about volunteering opportunities, or for more information, please visit: http://www.grandcountymuseum.com.


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