NEWRY, MAINE (December 2, 2021)—With the holiday season fast approaching, another Sunday River favorite returns: Santa Sunday. This year, over 200 skiing and snowboarding Santas will take part in the Santa Sunday fundraiser on December 5, 2021, benefitting the River Fund Maine, a 501(c)3 organization with the mission of bringing the community together to uplift youth in the greater Bethel, Maine, region. Registration for Santa Sunday remains open through Saturday, December 4, and requires a $20 donation per person.

On the day of the event, the suited-up Santas will arrive at Sunday River’s South Ridge Base Area to complete a required check-in between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM. During this time, their holiday costume is inspected – each skiing Saint Nick must be decked out in a red Santa hat with a white pompom, a red Santa jacket, red Santa pants, and a Santa beard.

After inspection, all Santas are given a free lift ticket to use the morning of the event, plus an additional free lift ticket to use in mid-December. A slopeside photo shoot takes place at 11:00 AM. Afterward, the Santas will board the South Ridge Express lift and ski down the Broadway trail for a parade of red, white, and beards. New this year, each Santa will carry a sleigh bell as they make their way down the ski trail. 

“Considering the last nineteen months we’ve all had, I’m grateful that we can put this event on again and bring some holiday spirit to the slopes,” said Greg Towle, Events Director at Sunday River. “And it’s all to benefit a cause that supports local youth meet their highest potential.”

For more information about Santa Sunday or Sunday River resort, visit sundayriver.com. Media looking to attend the event, or receive b-roll footage and high-resolution imagery should contact communications@sundayriver.com.

About Sunday River Resort: Sunday River Resort is located minutes from picturesque Bethel Village in western Maine's Mahoosuc Mountains. A true four-season destination, Sunday River offers eight interconnected peaks of world-class skiing and snowboarding, an 18-hole golf course at the Sunday River Golf Club, two resort hotels and an inn, and numerous events throughout the year. Sunday River is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.

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