Thursday, March 5, 2009

And Like That . . .They Were Gone

As the competitions end, the crowds reluctantly depart; but, the majic does not have to end. In the words of hans Christian Anderson: "Life itself is a most wonderful fairy tale."

For more information on the Special Olympics, visit http://www.2009worldgames.org/

Special Olympics Festival - Group Picture After the Concert

from left to right
Edna Rey-Vizgirdas
Smokey Bear
Woodsey Owl
Fiddlin' Foresters

Special Olympics Festival - Edna Rey-Vizgirdas and Woodsy Owl


Edna and Woodsy clap to the tune of "This Land is Your Land"

Special Olympics Festival - Edna Rey-Vizgirdas


Special Olympics Festival - Woodsy Owl


Special Olympics Festival - Dancing to the Music #2

Special Olympics Festival - Dancing to the Music



Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl enjoying the music of the Fiddlin' Foresters after a hard days work of spreading their mottos of "Only you can prevent wildfires" and "Lend a hand — care for the land!"

Special Olympics Festival - Fiddlin' Foresters Performing


Special Olympics Festival - Fiddlin' Foresters

The Fiddlin' Foresters (from l to r) Lynn Young,
Jane Leche, and Jim Maxwell bring conservation and stewardship messages alive through story and song.

Special Olympics Festival - Mike Crawford, Assistant Police Chief, City of Sun Valley



Mike was the enthusiastic organizer of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg, in addition to being in charge of overall security for the competitions, Here he enjoys a well-deserved respite.

Special Olympics Festival - Smokey Bear Sneaks in a Cat Nap



Smokey came out of hibernation especially for the 2009 World Winter games; he takes an opportunity to catch some zzz's on an ice sculpture before Fiddlin' Foresters' concert at the Sun Valley Resort Village.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Special Olympics Festival - Special Olympics World Winter Games CEO & Chairman George "Chip" Fisher With Smokey Bear


Even George B. Fisher, IV, better known as "Chip" could not resist a picture with Smokey Bear. Notice the finger--I guess Smokey is "the man" after all. Chip is the CEO and Chairman of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Special Olympics Festival Open Skate - Woodsy Owl With Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton

Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton skating with Woodsy Owl during the open skate at the Sun Valley outdoor ice rink.

Special Olympics Festival - Woodsy Owl With Edna Rey-Vizgirdas and Dave Fluetsch


Special Olympics Festival - Woodsy Owl With Dave Fluetsch

Woodsy Owl preparing for his big moment--with a little assisatance from Dave Fluetsch.

Special Olympics Festival - Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear

from left to right
Edna Rey-Vizgirdas
Woodsy Owl
Smokey Bear
Liese Dean
Lisa Machnik

Special Olympics Festival - Woodsy Owl And Smokey Bear

from left to right
Edna Rey-Vizgirdas
Woodsy Owl
Smokey Bear
Liese Dean
Lisa Machnik

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals

Smokey Bear showcased the winning athletes, but he also did a little mugging for the cameras . . .

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Presenting Medals


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Career Highlight - A Series of Pictures Featuring Smokey Bear Presenting Medals

Smokey Bear was a proud presenter of medals at the cross-country event on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 11. Smokey Bear showcased the athletes, but he also did a little mugging for the cameras. . .

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Chris Schenck With Smokey Bear


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Winners' Podium


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Michelle Erdie

Smokey Bear just can't seem to shake off Michelle Erdie. I think she has a crush on him . . .

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Proud Olympians Showing Off Medals


Dollar Mountain - Cathy Miller & Mike Dettori


Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood - Team India



Team India snowboarding coach Jagdish Chand (left) with unidentified Team India athlete.

Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood - Line Dance

Music was an integral element throughout the games. Athletes and students line dance to the music of brother and sister act Stephanie and Nick Sloan at Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood.

Miss Teen Idaho Kylie Richmond, emceed the dance. She said, “Its definitely been life changing seeing true happiness from all over the world.”



Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood - Feeling the Music


Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood - New Friendships Are Born


On Tuesday, February 10, new friendships are born--and a few kisses stolen--during the dance at the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Dollar Mountain - Even Batman is a Smokey Bear Fan.


Dollar Mountain - This Hat Rivals That of The Cat In The Hat!

From Left to Right
Bobbi Filbert
Marcus Mann, a fan from Michigan
Matt Phillips

Dollar Mountain - Michelle Erdi Digging Through Her Bag of Goodies


Dollar Mountain - Michelle Erdie & Joe Miczulski







Dollar Mountain - Smokey Bear Getting His Groove On No. 2


Dollar Mountain - Smokey Bear Getting His Groove On

Who said bears could not dance?

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Team Italy with Smokey Bear


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Sawtooth National Forest Supervisor


from left to right
Matt Filbert
Liese Dean
Forest Supervisor Jane Kollmeyer
Beth Bratlie

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Chris Schenck's Life Threatening Injury


Chris Schenck had a dangerous encounter with, of all things, a Polaroid camera. Bleeding profusely, Chris sought treatment at the emergency medical tent and swears there were conversations amongst the staff involving amputation . . . however, Chris acknowledges that he’s never been one to spoil a good story with the truth.

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Smokey Bear Receives a Gift From Team Poland


Sun Valley Nordic Center - Liese Dean


Forest Service Smokey Bear and Avalanche trading pins were hot items at the World Winter Games. Liese Dean hands some out to eager fans and athletes.

Sun Valley Nordic Center - Liese Dean