THE 19TH ANNUAL SEEK THE PEAK HIKE-A-THON SET FOR JULY 19-20, 2019 IN SUPPORT OF MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY
THE 19TH ANNUAL SEEK THE PEAK HIKE-A-THON
SET For JULY 19-20, 2019 in support of mount washington observatory
MOUNT
WASHINGTON, NH - Hundreds of hikers will return to the White Mountains and
mighty Presidential Range for the Mount Washington Observatory’s 19th Annual Seek
the Peak (STP) hike-a-thon
on July 19-20, the largest annual fundraiser for the summit weather station.
“The energy and
camaraderie that our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff bring to this
weekend event is inspiring,” said Executive Director, Sharon Schilling. “This
is a critical fundraiser for the Observatory and I can’t thank everyone enough
for their continued support and enthusiasm each year.”
Participants raise a minimum of $200 to support the Observatory by
hiking 6,288-foot Mount Washington or other peaks they choose. Individuals and
teams of up to eight are eligible for chances to win valuable prizes donated by
a wealth of sponsors. The first 500 people who raise the minimum receive an
exclusive STP t-shirt and STP Eastern Mountain Sports backpack.
The two-day
event begins Friday, July 19 with the Kick-Off Party and registration at the
Weather Discovery Center in North Conway. On Saturday, July 20 there are
informative summit weather station tours, illuminating guided nature walks, an
active vendor expo and fun after party at the base of Mount Washington at Great
Glen Trails and the Mt. Washington Auto Road including dinner, entertainment
and giveaways. STP is also a great way to meet and interact with Observatory
staff from the executive director to the summit observers responsible for
collecting hourly weather data in all sorts of conditions.
The expo begins
at 2 p.m. and is a great opportunity for friends and family supporting STP
hikers to go for a walk on their own and participate in raffles with expo
vendors like Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), Oboz, Big Agnes, Hyperlite Mountain
Gear, Appalachian Mountain Club and others.
The
Mount Washington Observatory is thrilled to have the return of many sponsors
and supporters of this premiere hiking event. Presenting sponsors Eastern
Mountain Sports and Mt. Washington Auto Road are back for 2019 and Oboz, an
outdoor footwear manufacturer, has signed on as a new partner. Young qualified
hikers under the age of 12 will be inspired about the outdoors and nature with
a special raffle sponsored by Mason & Mason Insurance. Announcers Roy
Prescott and Mark Johnson from the Mount Washington Radio Group are back to
host the lively expo and after party. Backpacker Magazine’s Get Out More Tour
with its tips and gear demos return in style with tour leader Randy Propster
also emceeing Saturday’s events. Backpacker Magazine and Moat Mountain Smokehouse
and Brewery are sponsoring two local Ability Plus adaptive sports teams.
New
this year the local Kennett High School Outing Club will be participating
thanks to the support of Melcher & Prescott Insurance. Ten students from
the program will set out to hike Mount Washington including senior Sullivan
Gaudreault who has also supported STP as in intern creating videos and
marketing materials. Other sponsors include First Light,
NorthConwayLodging.com, White Mountain Oil and Propane, Martini Northern and Delta
Dental.
To
learn more or register for Seek the Peak, visit seekthepeak.org or contact Krissy Fraser at (603)356-2137x231. For more information
on the Mount Washington Observatory, visit mountwashington.org.
About Mount Washington Observatory
Mount Washington Observatory is a private,
nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding
of the natural systems that create the Earth's weather and climate. Since 1932,
the Observatory has been monitoring the elements from its weather station on
the summit of Mount Washington, using this unique site for scientific research
and educational outreach. For more information, call (800) 706-0432 or visit
MountWashington.org.
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