Podium winners - June Lake Triple Threat Triathlon. Photos by Alicia Vennos, Mammoth Lakes Tourism.

Podium winners – June Lake Triple Threat Triathlon. Photos by Alicia Vennos, Mammoth Lakes Tourism.

First-ever June Lake Winter Festival A Success – PRESS RELEASE

~Organizers Promise Event Will Return Next Year~

JUNE LAKE, Calif., (Feb. 6, 2013) – Event organizers of the inaugural June Lake Winter Festival and Triple Threat Winter Triathlon have announced that on the heels of a highly successful first run, this family-oriented winter outdoor event will definitely return next year.  Ralph Lockhart, member of the June Lake Events Committee, commented with delight, “Everyone in town who participated is already talking about additions, changes and improvements for next year’s event.  It was deeply gratifying to see locals and visitors alike all having a blast at the weekend festivities, and our community would like to extend its appreciation to every person and every family who dropped by to join in the fun.”

Jared Mahler, 2nd place finisher Men's division, age 12.  Liam Bassler, age11 honorable mention.

Jared Mahler, 2nd place finisher Men’s division, age 12. Liam Bassler, age 11 honorable mention.

Culminating in a well-attended event last weekend, the June Lake Winter Festival drew a flurry of visitors who flocked to the quintessential mountain town to participate in the Village Snow Stroll, Family Fun Zone, live music and The Triple-Threat Winter Triathlon.  Dozens of community members worked tirelessly to make sure all events unfolded seamlessly, from laying out the race course, to creating and delivering over 30 massively heavy blocks of compressed snow (each over 7 feet high), throughout town for the snow sculpture contest.

The Triple Threat Triathlon race participants competed according to age groups in a 4.5 mile cross- country skiing race,

Maribeth Kramer

Maribeth Kramer

laser rifle shooting, and a snowshoe sprint.  Registrants were rewarded with prizes, generously donated by over 30 June Lake and Mammoth Lakes businesses.   Race director Jarrod Lear commented enthusiastically, “It was a terrific turn-out for our first year with 37 racers participating.  The track held up well and we certainly learned a lot. We can’t wait to implement some great changes for the 2nd Annual Triple Threat Triathlon next year – ‘annual’ being the key word!”

Triple Threat Triathlon Results: 

Men’s Age 14 to 55:

Keith Weiland 1st  Place 34:40

Jared Mahler 2nd Place 36:03 (age 12)

Kirk Maes 3rd Place 41:53

Women’s Age 14 to 55:

Sophia McKee 1st Place 53:57 (age 12)

Maureen McGlinchy 2nd Place 59:51

Alicia Vennos 3rd Place 1:00:47

Children Under 14 (sprint):

Gabe Segura 1st Place 9:29

Maya Weber 2nd Place 14:13

Matt Weber 3rd Place 14:14

Relay Race Teams of 3

1st Place 1:08:44 :

Suzanne Tinsley, Robert Cersosirno, Todd Locken

2nd Place 1:12:50:

Ralph Lockhart, Brett Lockhart, Rachael Baird

3rd place 1:21:26

Lorena Weber, Kimberley Willingham, Ellen Oberberger

 

Men’s Over 55:

Larry Johnston 1st Place 51:20

Honorable Mention:

11-year old Liam Bassler skied the adult course in a rapid-fire 50:10

Maribeth Kramer, June Lake villager, skied on her split board with her newborn baby in a Snuggly in 2 hours, 20 minutes, 8 seconds

Over 230 people attended the June Lake Village Snow Stroll and voted for their two favorite snow sculptures.  First place was awarded to Ernie’s Ski & Tackle for their impressive eight foot long Trout; second place went to the Double Eagle Resort & Spa for their sprawling Friendly Dragon.  Other colorful creations included a very yellow Sponge Bob, a very green Gumby, the June Mountain logo, a Tiger snowman (by the Tiger Bar, of course!), an Outhouse and a Hawaiian hula dancer.

“At the Family Fun Zone, the most popular activity was definitely the Toddler Sledding Hill,” said Sandra Di Domizio of Green Fox Events, the local company who helped organize the Winter Festival. “However, the live entertainment by Mammoth High School Jazz Band and the Amanda Myers Band, the snowball shot-put and accuracy throw, the ski pole javelin contest, the Family Obstacle Course, and rides in the June Lake Fire Department’s hook & ladder truck all added to the great energy of the Zone.  We’re thrilled that so many families were able to enjoy the day with us at June.”


Jelly Bread played at the Double Eagle Resort on Saturday evening. Patrick Ferguson, who has booked all the bands for June Lake’s Saturday Music entertainment this winter, said, “Jelly Bread was absolutely fantastic and the place was packed with people dancing and enjoying the free concert and the great funky, indie rock sounds of this really fun band.” 

June Lake is now preparing for its next event, the June Lake Snowmobile Rally which is slated for the weekend of March 8-10.  This event will include a Snowmobile Poker Run competition, tours with DJ’s Snowmobile Adventures, night rides, and much more.

For more information, please check out VisitJune.com or call 800-845-7922.

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