#Frisco, Colorado.
On Saturday, Jan. 11, the Frisco Nordic Center and town of Frisco will host the 44th annual Frisco Gold Rush benefiting the Summit Nordic Ski Club. The Frisco Gold Rush is the longest-running Nordic event in Colorado, and Gold Rush Nordic races are open to skiers of all ages and abilities. Racers will receive commemorative Frisco Gold Rush socks and hot soup at the Frisco Nordic Center Lodge and will compete for prizes designed by local artist Sheila Trowbridge.
New this year, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) will bring racers from around Colorado to compete.
“We anticipate seeing 200 to 300 participants from high schools and middle schools around the state competing in the Frisco Gold Rush this year,” said Linsey Kach, town of Frisco recreation programs manager. “Their attendance solidifies the great value and tradition of having a Nordic race event in its 44th year. We’re excited to welcome these young racers to take part in our winter tradition and to witness citizen racers of all levels and ages competing, as well.”
A day of Nordic races will be capped off with a community bonfire, Spontaneous Combustion, at the Frisco Bay Marina and a fireworks display. The community is invited to the Marina lot at the corner of Highway 9 and Marina Road at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, to watch the bonfire and fireworks light up the Frisco sky. Beverages and food will be available for sale benefiting the Summit Nordic Ski Club.
The town of Frisco is accepting Christmas trees to fuel Spontaneous Combustion until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11. Trees must be stripped of all lights, tinsel, garland, tree stands and decorations prior to drop off at the Marina dirt lot. The tree drop off is open 24 hours a day.
To register for the Gold Rush races, visit www.friscogoldrush.com. Preregistration is open until noon on Friday, Jan. 10, and entry fees vary from $20 to $35 per race. Day-of registration fees will increase by $5 per race.
‘The Gold Rush’
The Frisco Historic Park & Museum will present the 1925 Charlie Chaplin film “The Gold Rush” in the Log Chapel on Friday, Jan. 10, with free hot cider and popcorn. This screening is in celebration of not only Frisco’s gold mining history, but also pays homage to Frisco’s history of mining “white” gold, snow, with the 44th year of the Frisco Gold Rush.
“The Gold Rush” is considered one of Chaplin’s greatest films, and perhaps even one of the best films of the silent age. Chaplin plays the role of a lone prospector intent on finding gold in Alaska. Hunger and harsh conditions give way to romance. A remarkable cast of characters, Chaplin’s imagination and comedic turns and the mastery of silent filmmaking making this a classic film experience.
“This film certainly illustrates the severe conditions and hardships faced by gold prospectors,” said Simone Belz, Frisco museum director. “And it is an incredible glimpse at the ability of silent filmmakers to tell a compelling story without the spoken word. I always marvel at how easy it is to become thoroughly involved and lost in this type of storytelling. The very successful 2011 film ‘The Artist’ certainly proved that silent filmmaking is not relegated to the past.”
Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.
