28th Annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet at ElkFest

Elk! Hunting! Raffles! Good food and good times with like-minded friends, all for a GREAT cause! The Jackson Hole chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation invites you to their 28th annual banquet on Saturday, May 16 at 5:00pm at the Bar J Chuckwagon. 

Now entering RMEF’s fourth decade of conserving some of North America’s finest and most crucial landscapes, this banquet is our chapter’s primary mode to raise the funds needed to ensure the future of elk, elk country and our hunting tradition. Tickets are limited. 

The 28th Annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet is a featured event of ElkFest in Jackson Hole.

About ElkFest, May 16-17, 2015:
ElkFest, a weekend of activities built around the 48th annual world famous Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction, is an exciting time for celebrating nature, outdoor skills, hunting and ecological education and awareness.  Every spring, thousands of elk wintering on the National Elk Refuge lose their antlers before they migrate to their summer range. The Boy Scouts assist the Refuge with harvesting the shed antlers and auction them to bidders from around the world who make furniture, wall decorations, jewelry and food products from them. This annual event, which includes the High Noon Chili Cook-Off and the Mountain Man Rendezvous kick-off, supports the National Elk Refuge with a large portion of auction proceeds going back to habitat enhancement projects on the Refuge. Learn more at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/elkfest.php.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Featured Artwork Revealed

13 Minutes to Eternity (left) will be the featured artwork for this year’s Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, painted by artist Billy Schenck (right), who returns as the festival’s featured artist after 30 years.

Jackson Hole, Wyo. – April 13, 2015 – A classic cowboy on horseback against the jagged Tetons is the subject of "13 Minutes to Eternity," the painting by artist Bill Schenck selected by the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival as its featured artwork for this year’s event, Sept. 9 – 20, 2015. The iconic 50-by-50-inch oil on canvas image, presented in Schenck’s trademark style that incorporates photo-realism and pop art techniques, will be on display throughout the festival and auctioned on Sept. 19, as well as appearing on the official 2015 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival poster. The festival is no stranger to Schenck, whose painting "Waco" was selected as the featured artwork for the very first Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in 1985.

“We’re so excited to have Billy Schenck as our featured artist for 2015,” says Maureen Murphy, director of special events for the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the festival. “Billy has only continued to grow in popularity and critical respect since we tapped him 30 years ago, even as the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival has grown in size and scope. Having his artwork representing the festival this year should create a formidable pairing – and I expect poster sales to be through the roof!”

“It’s like getting reinvited to be the host of the Oscars after a 30-year hiatus,” said Schenck of his return to the featured slot at the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in a recent article in the Jackson Hole News & Guide.

Schenck’s work has long been nationally admired.  Early in his career, he became known for presenting Western cinematic imagery with a distinctive reductivist approach that uses color side by side in a flat style without blending. The artist, who works out of Santa Fe, grew up in Arizona and Wyoming before joining the New York art scene in the early ‘70s, where he was part of the original New York school of photo realism, with his first New York gallery show selling out when he was just 24. His work can be found in numerous major collections throughout the world, including the Smithsonian Institution, Denver Art Museum and The Autry Museum of Western Heritage, and has been the subject of seven museum retrospectives and two books.

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival posters featuring the Schenck painting will be available for sale throughout the event, and festivalgoers will have an opportunity to meet the artist on Sept. 16 for a poster signing at Altamira Fine Art.  The original oil painting for the 2015 poster image will be up for auction on Sept. 19 as part of the 20th annual QuickDraw Art Sale and Auction in Jackson Town Square.  Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the original "13 Minutes to Eternity" will be on display in the lobby of The Wort Hotel in Jackson for all to see up until the Quick Draw event.

The 2015 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival includes a varied combination of visual, contemporary, culinary, Western, landscape, wildlife and Native American arts on display in venues from galleries and the museum to the Jackson Town Square. The 31st annual festival will offer visitors more than 50 family-friendly events, many of them free, surrounded by the Teton Mountain Range in its autumn colors – with the opportunity to purchase original artworks from cowboy to cutting-edge contemporary. The dates for the Fall Arts Festival have recently changed to include opening a day earlier than originally scheduled with the "Western Visons: Wild. Wearable. Art." luncheon, show and sale organized by the National Museum of Wildlife Art on Sept. 9.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyo., is served by major airlines including Delta, United, American and SkyWest.  Reservation information for Jackson’s numerous hotels, as well as a complete schedule of Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival events may be found at www.jacksonholechamber.com.  For additional information, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316.

Media Contact: Amy Stark, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, amy@wordenpr.com, 307.734.5335

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World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb Canceled

A joint decision has been reached by the Jackson Hole Snow Devils, U.S. Forest Service, Town of Jackson, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, and Snow King Mountain to cancel the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb due to unseasonably warm weather and poor conditions on the hill.

For complete information, please visit www.snowdevils.org or email the Jackson Hole Snow Devils at at mail@snowdevils.org.

Chamber President/CEO Jeff Golightly commented, “This is a disappointment for our businesses, nonprofit organizations, and thousands of visitors who hoped to spend the weekend enjoying a unique Jackson Hole experience.”

While considering the cancellation, the Jackson Hole Snow Devils were focused on the safety of racers, safety of the spectators, the protection of Snow King Mountain, and the preservation of the exceptional reputation of the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. 

Jeff concluded, "The Jackson Hole Snow Devils made this incredibly difficult decision for all of the right reasons." The Jackson Hole Snow Devils were honored at the Chamber’s 2009 Annual Awards Celebration for their considerable service efforts. The group’s work provides an important economic boost for the community and raises money for charitable organizations, educational scholarships, and educational courses concerning winter activities (specifically avalanche training).

March is one of the most popular months to visit Jackson Hole. Spring features Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Rendezvous Fest, Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club’s Pole Pedal Paddle Race, and plenty of sunshine. 

Activity Suggestions for Spring in Jackson Hole

Snowmobile Adventures: Snowmobile enthusiasts should consider getting out and riding! Contact your favorite guide service to inquire about destinations and packages. The world-famous Togwotee Trail is where many of the local Hill Climb competitors cut their teeth and enjoy recreating with their families. SnowWest Magazine named the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) “Best of All Time” since it has been ranked No. 1 four times, in the top ten all but one year, and in the top 15 every year since SnoWest Magazine started. Guided tours and rentals are available from local providers. Visit County10.com for more information.

Live Music: Jackson Hole venues are celebrating springtime with a huge variety of live music opportunities. March RADness includes Music Under the Tram presented by Bud Light. Visit www.jacksonhole.com/march-radness. Venues in town include the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel and the Pink Garter Theater.  

Going Out: Restaurants and bars in Jackson Hole have been preparing for a busy March and are planning to offer great specials and entertainment. Visitors will enjoy more availability and access to some of the best dining and drinks in the U.S. From farm-fresh local beef to ocean fresh sushi flown in daily and from locally-brewed beer to carefully crafted cocktails, Jackson Hole has something new and delicious to offer to every palate.  

Skiing: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is still open for the season, until April 5, and enjoying some of the best snow in the nation. Visit www.jacksonhole.com

More Outdoor Activities: March is the perfect month for enjoying huge variety of outdoor recreation opportunities fro Nordic skiing to road biking and from snowmobiling to fat biking. Contact your favorite purveyor of fun for their activity and rental suggestions.  

National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides: The National Elk Refuge will continue to host excursions using wagons until the beginning of April. Only in Jackson Hole can visitors experience the home of the largest elk herd in the world. Visit www.fws.gov

Cultural Activities:: Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum and the National Museum of Wildlife Art provide perspective on the history and culture of Jackson Hole.  

Get More Ideas: For more information about events and activities, please contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Visitor Services Department to work with an experienced agent, info@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316.

Chamber Seeking Entries for the High Noon Chili Cook-Off

Calling all chili fans! The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club are excited to present the 2015 High Noon Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, May 17 from 12:00-3:00pm. Local chili aficionados are invited to show off their skill and enter the contest. There are categories for individuals and for businesses.

Chili may be hot and spicy or mild and flavorful. It could be meaty or vegetarian and green or red. But it must taste the best to win top honors. Rain or shine, Town Square is the place to be! A refreshing selection of beer and other beverages will also be available to cool tasters’ palates. For more information or to sign-up, please contact Renee Leone, Events Coordinator, renee@jacksonholechamber.com  or 307.201.2309. Registration deadline is Sunday, May 10.

2014 Winners:

Professional Category
First Place:  Nani’s
Second Place:  Turpin Meadow Ranch
People's Choice: Nani’s

Amateur Category
First Place: Wyoming Catholic College
Second Place: Vom Fass
People’s Choice: The Show Stoppers

Howdy Pardner’s Recognition
Wyoming Catholic College

The High Noon Chili Cook-Off, held the Sunday of ElkFest weekend, draws local residents and visitors into the community while celebrating the culture and heritage of Jackson Hole! ElkFest is traditionally held the third weekend in May and is followed by Old West Days. To see a complete schedule of events for both festivals, please visit www.jacksonholechamber.com/events.

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice: Vote Jackson Hole!

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The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice contest features Jackson Hole favorites in three different categories. Place your votes and then share with your networks using #10BestChoice and @10Best. Voting ends Monday, March 30. Users can cast one vote in each category every day.

Best Wildlife Refuge features the National Elk Refuge. Vote at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-national-wildlife-refuge/  

Best National Park Lodge features Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, and Old Faithful Inn. Vote at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-national-park-lodge/.

Best National Park Hike features Cascade Canyon Trail and Upper Geyser Basin. Vote at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-national-park-hike/.

Spring Fling: Elk Fest and Old West Days

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It's still snowing in the Tetons but the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is having a spring fling! We're looking ahead to our favorite springtime events, ElkFest and Old West Days!

ElkFest 

May 16-17, 2015 • 48^th Annual

ElkFest, a weekend of activities built around the world famous Jackson Hole Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction, is an exciting time for celebrating nature, outdoor skills, hunting, and ecological education and awareness.  Every spring, thousands of elk wintering on the National Elk Refuge lose their antlers before they migrate to their summer range. The Boy Scouts assist the Refuge with harvesting the shed antlers and auction them to bidders from around the world who use the sheds to make furniture, wall decorations, and jewelry. This annual event, which includes the Howdy Pardner’s High Noon Chili Cook-Off and the kick-off of a Mountain Man Rendezvous, supports the National Elk Refuge with significant portion of auction proceeds going back to habitat enhancement projects.

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/elkfest.php

High Noon Chili Cook-Off

May 17, 2015

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and the Howdy Pardner Ambassador Club presents the annual High Noon Chili Cook-Off on the Sunday of ElkFest weekend. Local chili aficionados are invited to show off their skills and enter the contest. There are categories for individuals and for businesses. Chili may be hot and spicy or mild and flavorful. It could be meaty or vegetarian and green or red. But it must taste the best to win top honors. Rain or shine, Town Square is the place to be!

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/elkfest.php

Old West Days

May 22-25, 2015 • 34^th Annual

Celebrating the Heritage of the West! Jackson Hole has long been referred to as "The Last of the Old West" and with the community’s rich history it’s no wonder Old West Days is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Visitors from all over the country come to delight in the live music, theatrical entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, rodeo events, and much, much more.

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/old_west_days/

Old West Brew Fest

May 23, 2015

The Old West Brew Fest is a celebration of an age-old craft. Breweries from around the mountain west region gather on the Jackson Hole Town Square to compete for the Golden Boot, a people’s choice award. Taste tickets are purchased on-site. Sample sizes vary. Old West Days entertainment begins with the traditional parade and concludes with the Town Square Shootout and Jackson Hole Rodeo.

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/old_west_days/

Town Square Shootout

May 23-September 1, 2015 • 59^th Annual

In 1957 the first annual Shootout Gang rode into Jackson and into the history books! Clover the Killer, the hardened outlaw, was famously halted by the Cache Creek Posse. The Shootout is now a tradition that allows Jackson to live up to its claim to “the last of the Wild West.” Performances are held at 6:00pm each evening, except Sundays, during the summer. “No shootin’ on Sundays!”

Location: Town Square

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/jh-shootout.php

 

Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Kick-Off Luncheon

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, along with Mountain Living Magazine and the Western Design Conference, will host a Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Kick-Off Luncheon on Thursday, April 16 from 12:00-2:00pm at e.Leaven Restaurant + Bakery, 175 Center Street.

The luncheon will provide an exciting preview to the 31^st Annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival, which will be held September 10-20, 2015.  For more information and to RSVP, please contact Lori Perry, lperry@mountainliving.com or 320.241.2591.  Visit http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/fall_arts_festival/.