ELLICOTTVILLE, N.Y. — Whether it’s biking, music or a mudslide, Holiday Valley in Ellicottville will be one of the many places to be this summer.
It all kicks off June 5-7 with a bicycle weekend.
Jason Schwinny, a 15-year veteran of the pro mountain bike circuit, will be performing three shows a day on Saturday and Sunday.
Schwinny has been a part of such rides as The Vans Warped Tour, Canadian Final Eight Basketball games, The Volkswagen Major Motion Picture Show college campus tour, Monster Energy AMA SuperCross Series, and even Travis Pastrana’s “Nitro Circus.”
Schwinny brings his ramp riding and flat land experience to his 30-minute show to promote the theme, “Athletes who say ‘No.’” Some of his stunts involve audience volunteers. After the show, take a few minutes to meet Schwinny. Get his autograph. Hear his message about what makes for a strong athlete.
Holiday Valley will host a variety of rides and events for Level 2 and 3 bicycle riders from June 5-7. According to Jane Eshbaugh at Holiday Valley, Level 2 and 3 riders are those that can ride for 30 to more than 60 miles over rolling hills for multiple days at a time.
Space is limited for the rides sponsored by Holiday Valley.
For a full list of events and schedules, go to the website www.HolidayValley.com/cyclingweekend.
On June 20, the fourth annual Holiday Valley Mudslide will be held.
The 3.5-mile course starts at the top of the mountain at Spruce Lake and runs along the ridge line then down the hill. The 5.4-mile course adds a bit of uphill running.
The Ellicottville Summer Music Festival is one of the only outdoor music venues that allows guests to bring a picnic basket in with them. Bring dinner and a blanket, even a lawn chair. Enjoy the show and have a family meal outdoors, in the fresh air. Parking is free and the entire venue is wheelchair accessible.
On July 3 begins the Ellicottville Summer Music Festival Weekend with a Top of the Mountain Party. Take the nearly mile-long chair lift ride to a celebration, complete with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
After a ride back to the base of the mountain, the party will continue at Holiday Valley’s Main Lodge with a Caribbean Poker Night. Use the funny money that comes with your ticket to grow your pot. Make sure you have a good amount, because all of that “money” will be used to bid on all kinds of items during an auction.
On July 4, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will take to the stage on the slopes of Holiday Valley at 8 p.m. During the second half of the show the 80-piece orchestra plays favorites from Star Wars and characters from the movies will be roaming the resort. The finale will pair the Philharmonic with choreographed fireworks to celebrate America’s Independence. Tickets are $35, $25 until June 21, and children 12 and under are free. A VIP Weekend Package is also available that includes a sponsors dinner this evening.
On July 5 Grammy winning classic rockers, Blood, Sweat and Tears will take the stage at the foot of the slopes of Holiday Valley.
Fronted by American Idol runner-up, Bo Bice, Blood, Sweat and Tears will play some of their biggest hits such as “Spinning Wheel,” and “You Make Me So Very Happy.” Blood, Sweat and Tears will take the stage after Buffalo’s own Caitlin Koch, former X-Factor competitor. Tickets are $35, $25 until June 21, and children 12 and under are free.
Jazz and Blues Weekend will take place July 24-26. Chicago Authority will perform 1 to 4 p.m. July 26 at the Main Stage on Monroe Street.
The 2015 World Bowhunting Championships will be held Aug. 6-9.
This event is sanctioned by the International Bowhunting Organization (www.IBO.net) and will bring thousands of qualified archers and their families from around the world to shoot for the world title as well as cash and prizes.
Vendor booths, practice and defense ranges open Aug. 7 with qualifying rounds starting Aug. 8.
The Holiday Valley Archery Festival will also be held the same dates for non-qualified shooters who would like to try out the world class ranges. The event is open to all archers.
