The 41st annual Tony Dolan Ski for Cancer is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. The weather is threatening rain, but the fun, food and music will go on regardless.
Event organizer Betsy Dolan Eschrich explained that it’s hard to judge the attendance by early sign-ups for Ski for Cancer.
“Traditionally, with this event, most people sign up when they get there,” she said. “Most people play it by ear, depending on the weather. We do have a dedicated group that come, no matter what. Hopefully there is a little snow on the trail.”
The Ski for Cancer is about more than snow and skiing.
“It’s a great event, a great day and lots of fun. You get to enjoy good food and music. It’s a nice atmosphere at the Westline Inn, this gives you a good excuse to go out and enjoy a nice day. There is always someone you know out there,” she said.
The event will be held at the Westline Inn and along the Kinzua Valley Trail. Participants can walk or ski the trail, provided there is sufficient snow.
Jamestown (N.Y.) Cycle Shop will have a limited number of skis for use, Eschrich said. People are also welcome to bring their own skis or snowshoes and hit the trail.
There will be a pig roast and live music. Giveaways will be held at various times throughout the day.
“We’ve got a lot of nice basket raffles,” Eschrich said. “There are going to be 50/50s too.”
Memorial trail signs, purchased by individuals, are made with a loved one’s name on them and posted along the trail during the event.
“This year, we got about 13 new signs,” Eschrich reported. She noted that the signs were being set up Friday afternoon.
Eschrich said that many people will come out to walk or ski the trail the day of the event just to find their sign.
Proceeds from the event go to the American Cancer Society.
The late Tony Dolan, Eschrich’s father, was a local pharmacist and former president of the McKean County chapter of the American Cancer Society. He founded the event in 1979.
