Butler Winter X

BUTLER TWP — Possibly the only people hoping the cold and snow of the most recent Polar Vortex sticks around for the next two weeks is Bruce Bryner and the volunteers and supporters of the upcoming second Butler Winter X snowboard and ski competition and community concert event.

Planned for Feb. 8 at the Butler Township Park on South Duffy Road, the event is open to the public at 10 a.m. with competition beginning at noon.

Bryner, owner of the North East Sound West entertainment promotions project, said the event “is to raise community awareness of snowboarding and incorporate local businesses and local music.”

“I've been hanging out there for 15 years. I'm one of the original kids,” said Bryner of the snowboarders who congregated on the two light post-lined hills behind the park's shelter, all that remains of former ski slopes.

“The history is there used to be a tow rope to get to the top of the hill,” said Bryner. “But then, some say some guy got his arm caught or some girl got her hair caught and it was taken out.”

David Zarnick, vice chairman of the Butler Township commissioners, said, “At one time there was a tow line there, as well as a snow-making machine. The three hills in the park were pretty popular with sledders.”

“The ultimate goal is to get this event to a size that it's attracting regional spectators, snowboarders and extreme sports enthusiasts,” said Bryner.

Last year's event on March 2 drew more than 200 people throughout the day.

Bryner said this year there has been a format change for the snowboard and just-added ski competition.

There will be a “real jam” format featuring several trick features and there will be a “big air” jump competition for both skiers and snowboarders.

The day will also feature bands, food, representatives from local ski and sport shops and the performance group Sirkus Dayz.

And attendees will be free to sled, ski or snowboard between competitions and on the park's hills not used for the contests.

“We want families to bring their kids out,” Bryner said.

“We're hoping we have some more snow. We hope it is not as cold. And we are hoping for a good crowd,” said Zarnick, who said the township waived its permit fees in support of the event.

“We invite everyone out to enjoy this,” Zarnick said.

“We're hoping that by gaining awareness through our winter sports event to gain awareness for all X sports,” Bryner said.

Bryner said, “The weather fluctuation has been tough, but the snow we've gotten has been ideal.”

And if the weather warms and the snow melts before Feb. 8, Bryner and event volunteers have that eventuality covered.

Last year, nearly 20 volunteers, used shovels and snowblowers to spread about 12 tons of ice shaved from the rink at Ice Connection of Pittsburgh in Middlesex Township on the hill at the park.

Bryner said this year, organizers also hope to use snow mounds from area parking lots after they've been cleared.

<b>WHAT:</b> Butler Winter X Snowboard and Ski Competition and community concert event<b>WHEN: </b>10 a.m. Feb. 8, competition scheduled to start at noon<b>WHERE: </b>Butler Township Park, South Duffy Road<b>INFO: </b>Visit butlerwinterx2014 Facebook page