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.

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