Ski Fest

Anyone who loves winter sports will be happy to know that winter is just around the corner. With that in mind, a weekend-long Ski Fest will commence at 6 p.m. today at Buckeye Sports Center in Peninsula with a kickoff party that'll include a fashion show featuring new winter ski and snowboard outerwear from all the major brands, live entertainment, beer, wine, hors d'oeuvres, early access to merchandise and a silent auction. Tickets are $25, and proceeds benefit the Boston Mills Brandywine ski patrol. Festivities continue through the weekend when there will be more live entertainment, free food and beverages along with face painting and balloons for the kids and information on ski areas from noon to 3 p.m. each day. In addition, freestyle skier Nick Goeppert, an Olympic medalist, will sign autographs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. (Niesel)