FREQUENT DINING PROGRAM AT VICTORIA GARDENS RESTAURANTS EARNS REWARDS FOR FOODIES

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) – Victoria Gardens makes eating worth it this year.  The shopping center is launching its free Dine VG program to encourage patrons to enjoy great food options and earn shopping center gift cards all at the same time. 

Flash the Dine VG card Monday – Thursday, at any of the following restaurants special discounts and rewards: Yard House, T.G.I.Fridays, Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Richie’s Diner, Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Johnny Rockets, Ra Pour, and California Pizza Kitchen.  Visit www.victoriagardens.com for more details.  Deals change monthly.

Sign up at Guest Services to receive the free membership.  Customers earn their points by submitting restaurant receipts to Guest Services.  Points are tracked, and members may view their points at anytime by clicking on “My Rewards” on the Dine VG website at www.dineVG.com. The top 50 point leaders at the end of each quarter will receive a $50 gift card to Victoria Gardens.

Victoria Gardens is a 1.5-million-square-foot, open-air, regional town center located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, at the intersection of I-15 and Foothill Boulevard.  The shopping center is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, AMC Theatres 12, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, and features more than 170 premier shops, restaurants and the Rancho Victoria Food Hall, as well as 40,000 square feet of Class-A office space.  Victoria Gardens is a joint development of Forest City Enterprises, Inc., a publicly traded (NYSE: FCEA and FCEB) national real estate company, and Lewis Retail Centers, a member of the Lewis Group of Companies, one of the nation’s largest privately-held real estate organizations.  For hours of operation, directions or other information, visit www.victoriagardensIE.com.

Leap Up to the Mountains

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

In celebration of Leap Year, various lodging establishments within the Lake Arrowhead Communities are offering a special “Leap Up to the Mountains” package.  Stay overnight on the actual Leap Year day, Feb. 29th and receive the night of the 28th or March 1 for free.

Participating lodging establishments include:  Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Saddleback Inn, Fleur de Lac, Chateau de Lac, AAA Resort Rentals, North Shore Inn, Sleepy Hollow and Rainbow Lodge.

Information regarding participating lodging can be found at http://lakearrowhead.net/need-lodging .  Please reference “Leap Up to the Mountains” when making your reservation.

Volunteers Needed for Bighorn Sheep Survey March 3 and 4

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., February 3, 2012Volunteers are needed on March 3 and 4 (Saturday evening and all day Sunday) to assist in an annual bighorn sheep survey in the San Gabriel Mountains, conducted by the California Department of Fish and Game, US Forest Service, and the Society for Conservation of Bighorn Sheep.

No survey experience is necessary to participate but volunteers must attend a mandatory orientation on Saturday, March 3, at 6:00p.m. at Verdemont Community Center and Library in San Bernardino. Volunteers will then reconvene early Sunday morning, March 4, to hike with expert representatives to designated observation sites in the San Gabriel Mountains to count and record bighorn sheep.

Participants must be at least 16 years old and capable of hiking one mile in rugged terrain, although some survey routes are longer.  In general, hikes will not be along trails and accessing survey points will involve scrambling over boulders, climbing up steep slopes, and/or bush-whacking through chaparral.

We highly recommended volunteers bring binoculars or spotting scopes in addition to hiking gear.  Mountain weather can be unpredictable and participants should be prepared to spend several hours hiking and additional time making observations in cold and windy weather.

For those who wish to camp, complimentary campsites will be available to volunteers on a first come, first served basis at the Applewhite Campground in Lytle Creek on the night of March 3.

To sign up online, visit www.sangabrielbighorn.org or call (626) 574-5287 or (909) 382-2870 to receive a volunteer packet.

The Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep, California Department of Fish and Game, and the Forest Service have conducted surveys for bighorn sheep in the San Gabriel range annually since 1979.  The mountain range once held an estimated 740 sheep, which made the San Gabriel population the largest population of desert bighorn sheep in California.  The bighorn population declined over 80% through the 1980s but appears to be on the increase with recent estimates yielding approximately 400 animals.

 

 

                                                            

 

 

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

A Plunge into Big Bear Lake’s Frigid Water Benefits Special Olympics

 Big Bear Lake, Calif. February 1, 2012 – Big Bear Lake’s water gets rather frigid in the wintertime with lake temperatures dipping into the low 30s, sometimes into the 20s. So why would anyone deliberately take a dip in the lake during these freezing conditions? The only reason that makes rational sense is to raise funds for people in need. On Saturday, March 10, the most brazen will take the Polar Plunge into Big Bear Lake to raise money to benefit Special Olympics athletes.                                            

Organizers are now seeking fearless men, women and children to sign-up for the inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge, which helps sponsor year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California. All proceeds from the event give people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. Participants who reach this goal will get an official Polar Plunge t-shirt. Special Olympics supporters who prefer to stay out of the water can opt to register as a “Chicken.” They receive an “I’m too Chicken to Plunge” t-shirt, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics charity. Additional prizes are given to people who raise more than $50, and also for those with the most creative costumes. Sponsorship opportunities called EVENT FAN are available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to pledge $500 or more.   

All it takes is a few seconds in the chilly water for plungers to discover why we refer to it as Freezin’ for a Reason,” said Special Olympics Southern California Regional Director Abbey Leffler. “They will immediately feel their hearts warm-up with joy because they know they are giving to a great cause. Nothing is too cold for a warm heart!”

Each plunger gets a moment in the spotlight with a public service announcement that briefly portrays each plunger and why he or she is taking the plunge. Plungers are encouraged to invite people who give a pledge to the event to prove that they really take the plunge, and to see first hand how bonkers the plungers really are. Spectators are encouraged to take photos and video. Costumes have become a staple with Polar Plunge events. Awards are given to participants with the best costumes, which are judged by creativity and all-around wackiest. Activities include a family fun area, guest emcee (TBA), DJ music, a souvenirs stand, vendors, and a raffle drawing with great prizes. There is a free BBQ lunch for participants. Spectators have the option to purchase BBQ lunch tickets.     

The inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge is Saturday, March 10 at Meadow Park, 41220 Park Ave. in Big Bear Lake. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Opening ceremonies, which includes a torchlight lighting ceremony and singing of the National Anthem begins at 12 noon. Plunges into frigid Big Bear Lake directly follow after opening ceremonies. Admission to watch the plunge is FREE, but donations are accepted. To register as a plunger for the Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951-672-7707 or email aleffler@sosc.org.  For lodging accommodations log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

 

About Special Olympics Southern California:

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org.

 

Lake Arrowhead PolaRotary Plunge

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

The Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead is hosting the fourth annual PolaRotary Bear Plunge at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa at 10:00 AM on February 4th.

Styled after fundraising “walk-a-thons”, volunteers dive into the freezing cold waters of Lake Arrowhead to raise money for the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Foundation. Last year over $12,000 was raised.

The foundation supports a wide range of projects both locally and internationally.

Locally the Rotary Club and its foundation support literacy and youth development projects, programs for seniors, education, the hospital, Rotary Centennial Park, and scholarships to name a few.

Money raised from the PolaRotary Plunge is ear-marked for local youth projects.

Those who choose to jump can choose to split the money they collect between the Rotary Foundation and another charity of their choice. Benefactors of the “split” in past years include Soroptimist, Rim Education Foundation, Arrowhead Arts, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Pre-school, Arrowhead Film Festival, Mt.  Sunrise Rotary Club and the Mts. Community Hospital Foundation.

Jumpers have included State Assemblyman Tin Donnelly, County Supervisor Neil Derry, Mts. Community Hospital CEO Charlie Harrison,  School Board members, Rotary Presidents, Soroptimist Presidents, and a wide range of business and community leaders.

Event organizer Dr. Patrick Rains expects about forty jumpers this year, “and that’s also what we expect the water temperature to be (40)” he added.

Prizes will go to the jumper wearing the best costume. There are only three rules with which the jumpers must comply: 1) No wet suits  2) No nudity  3) Complete submersion (no time limit).

For more information about being a jumper, sponsor, or donor contact Dr. Rains at arhdvet@hotmail.com or 337-4541.

Donations can be sent to Lake Arrowhead Rotary Foundation, note “Polar Plunge” on the check and mail to PO Box 686 Lake Arrowhead Ca.  92352

IE FOODIE WEEKEND TICKETS GO ON SALE FEBRUARY 1

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

2 Days of Epicurean Delights ~ Fun for the Entire Family

 

ONTARIO, CA (January 30, 2012) Officials at Citizens Business Bank Arena and Hispanic Business Alliance have announced the tickets for a 2 day community event on May 5 and 6, 2012 will go on sale February 1, 2012 at 10am.   On Saturday, May 5 the IE Dixie Salsa BBQ Competition will bring over 30 competitors to participate and bring their best BBQ before the judges.  On Sunday, May 6 the IE Food Truck Fest will return for the third time.  Both days will feature gourmet food, live music, entertainment, vendors, a kid’s zone and fun for the whole family.   Over 18,000 people are expected to attend the IE Foodie Weekend events.

 

General Admission is $10 per day, $8 in advance or a 2 day ticket will sell for $18, $14 in advance.   Parking is FREE.  Children 6 and under are FREE.  An additional early entry ticket is available for $5 on Sunday for the IE Food Truck Fest.  This early entry will allow you the opportunity to reduce your time in line at your favorite food trucks.  Tickets are available at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office or ticketmaster.com.

 

About the IE Food Truck Fest  - Spotlighting the gourmet food truck movement that has exploded over the past few years, the IE Food Truck  Fest  is celebrating this new style of street food with a one stop location for one day  in Southern California’s Inland Empire. The IE Food Truck Fest will showcase the delectable cuisine with a diverse mix of 40+ gourmet food trucks gathered at Citizens Business Bank Arena where the community can experience several epicurean delights all at one location.   In addition to featuring these mobile eateries, there will be a kid’s fun zone featuring paint less paintball, rock climbing, bounce houses and more.  Also live local music, business vendors, giveaways, and more. Sponsors include AEG Facilities, Levy Restaurants, Burrtec, and City of Ontario. 

Tickets are $10 General Admission, $8 in Advance; Children age 6 and under are free. Parking is free.  Early Entry tickets are an additional $5. Tickets may be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com (plus fees) or at Citizens Business Bank Arena box office.  Visit www.iefoodtruckfest.com for more details.

 

 

About the IE Dixie Salsa BBQ Competition – Brought to you by the Hispanic Business Alliance, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society the first annual IE Dixie Salsa BBQ Competition will take place at Citizens Business Bank Arena.  Over 30 teams will compete for cash prizes and trophies.  A Certified Barbeque Judging Class will be offered prior to the competition on May 4th.  Over 70 local business vendors will be on site.  A Live Music Youth Competition will support local groups with cash prizes and community support.  In addition a car show, children’s activity zone, entertainment and more will provide a fun filled family event.  Sponsored by Corporate Advocate, Radio LAZER, Minuteman Press, Novelty Printing, Elite Reward Card, Plan Ahead Events, Epiphany Marketing.

Tickets are $10 General Admission, $8 in Advance, Children 6 and under are FREE.  Parking is FREE.  Tickets are available at Citizens Business Bank Arena box office or ticketmaster.com (plus fees).  Visit facebook.com/dixiesalsa2012 or www.hbatoday.com for more details. 

 

About Citizens Business Bank Arena - built and owned by the City of Ontario, operated by AEG Facilities, includes 9,500 fixed seats with additional “portable” seating risers to accommodate capacities of 11,089 for concerts, 9,736 for ice hockey or arena football and 10,832 for basketball. The 225,000 square foot venue features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities. Citizens Business Bank Arena hosts ice hockey and a variety of other sporting competitions, concerts, family shows, special events, conventions, school and community activities as well as private events.  The Arena is home to Ontario Reign, an ECHL Premier AA Hockey Team.  The venue is the largest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, an area with over 4.1 million people. It is located in the City of Ontario, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway.  For more information visit:  CBBankArena.com

VALENTINE’S DAY RED-HOT SPECIALS

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

Big Bear’s Sweet-Heart Deals add Extra Spark to Romantic Getaway 

 

Big Bear Lake, Calif./January 25, 2012 – Big Bear Lake serves the ideal setting for a romantic winter getaway with two top-notch ski resorts, candlelight dining, comfy accommodations with wood-burning fireplaces, and a variety of “sweet-heart” specials to woo that special someone. Big Bear’s temperatures might be in the 20s or 30s on this special occasion, but the mountain resort sizzles with red-hot passion.

Action Tours (Action Zipline Tours and Action Segway Tours) have special discounts called “Get Some Action on Valentine’s.” Action Zipline Tours’ special whisks lovers off their feet (literally). Couples fly through the trees and over the snow on ziplines, and save $40 off regular rates per couple. Action Segway Tours offers a unique way to explore Big Bear on an electrical two-wheeled chariot. This invigorating outing for couples also discounts $40 per couple. Both offers are good for February 11 – 14, 2012. Rates are limited to the first five couples per day that the special is valid (Feb. 11-14), and must mention “Get Some Action on Valentines” at the time of booking to receive the discount. For zipline tour reservations call 909-866-0390. For Segway tour reservations call 909-366-0890.  

Helicopter Big Bear offers a treat for love birds who want to fly together. Enjoy a 20-minute sightseeing flight from the vantage point of a helicopter cockpit to witness beautiful scenic aerial views. Longer tours are also available. The intimate flight includes a linen-lined picnic basket complete with champagne or Perrier sparkling water, a box of fine chocolate, a stuffed teddy bear, and a single rose. It’s a Valentine’s Day treat that will be remembered for a lifetime. Helicopter Big Bear’s Valentine’s Day special offer is good from February 11 – 18, 2012. Reservations are required. To book the Helicopter Sightseeing Flight for Love Birds call 909-585-1200.  

Couples who opt to go skiing or snowboarding for the Valentine’s Day holiday might consider Goldsmith’s Boardshop for “Couples Rentals,” rent one rental set, and get the second rental set of equal or lesser value for free. “Couples Rentals” are valid February 10 – 15, 2012. For more details contact Goldsmith’s Boardshop at 909-866-2728.


Big Bear Valentines Day Specials                                                                  

 After a day of playing in the snow together, finish your day of romance at your private accommodations. Choices range from full service hotels to charming bed & breakfasts, private homes and rustic cabins. Whether it is lakefront, in the village, or countryside, every lodge in Big Bear creates a romantic atmosphere. Some Valentine’s Day specials for lodging accommodations to consider are Windy Point Inn, Castlewood Cottages and Blue Horizon Lodge.

 Windy Point Inn is the quintessential getaway for lovers. The beautiful contemporary Bed and Breakfast Inn is right on the lake. This Valentine’s Day Holiday the inn offers $100 off a two-night stay in a lakefront suite, which includes a whirlpool tub, wood-burning fireplace and a full breakfast. Rates are good for February 10 – 15, 2012. To book a romantic getaway to Windy Point Inn, call 909-866-2746 or visit www.windypointinn.com.

 Castlewood Cottages offers an “out-of-the-ordinary” romantic hideaway.  Here, each of the 11 “couples only” cottages offers their individual themes in furnishings, artwork and ambiance.  Even the visiting couples “live” the experience wearing the costumes they receive to match their chosen cottage.  They relive historic and ancient worlds at “Robin & Marion’s,” “King Arthur’s,”  “Enchanted Forest” or “Antony & Cleopatra.”  They enjoy chance meetings at the “Captain’s Quarters” or portray demure princess and elegant prince in “Castle Garden.”  For the more adventurous, exciting experiences in “Enchanted Forest,” “Crystal Cave” or “Woodland Treehouse” create unforgettable memories.  Other romantics choose lovely “Kate’s Garden” or dramatic “Gone With the Wind!”  These delightful cottages, just a short walk from Big Bear Village, are charming, private and romantic, just the right choice for a unique Valentine’s Day getaway. Book an overnight stay at Castlewood Cottages from February 11 – 14, 2012 and receive 20 percent off regular rates. For reservations call 909-866-2720 or visit www.castlewoodcottages.com

 Blue Horizon Lodge helps spark an evening of romance with a free bundle of firewood for couples who book a two-night stay during Valentine’s week February 10 – 15, 2012. In addition to the free bundle of firewood, couples will save 20 percent off regular rates on a two-night stay. Guests must mention the Valentine’s Day special at the time of booking to receive discount. For reservations call 909-366-0089 or visit www.newbluehorizonlodge.com.  

Big Bear Lake Resort Association offers a wide range of romantic packages that combines a room with choice of a couples massages, day spa service or romantic room customizing with roses, candles, and rose pedals placed in the room. Book Romantic Getaway Packages at www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

IE FOODIE WEEKEND ANNOUNCED

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

 Days of Epicurean Delights ~ Fun for the Entire Family

ONTARIO, CA (January 12, 2012) – Officials at Citizens Business Bank Arena and Hispanic Business Alliance have announced the dates for a 2 day community event on May 5 and 6, 2012.  “The success of the Food Truck Fests last year has resulted in the planning of not only an IE Food Truck Fest but the addition of the IE Dixie Salsa BBQ Competition – a state championship event we hope to make an annual happening” said Steve Eckerson, General Manager of Citizens Business Bank Arena. 

Two separate events, one weekend that you don’t want to miss if you like gourmet food, live music, sanctioned BBQ competitions and entertainment for the whole family.  Tickets will go on sale February 1, 2012 at 10am.  General Admission is $10 per day, $8 in advance or a 2 day ticket will sell for $18, $16 in advance.  Parking is FREE.  Children 6 and under are FREE.  An additional early entry ticket is available for $5 on Sunday for the IE Food Truck Fest.  This early entry will allow you the opportunity to reduce your time in line at your favorite food trucks.  Tickets are available at the Arena Box Office or ticketmaster.com.

About the IE Food Truck Fest  - Spotlighting the gourmet food truck movement that has exploded over the past few years, the IE Food Truck  Fest  is celebrating this new style of street food with a one stop location for one day  in Southern California’s Inland Empire. The IE Food Truck Fest will showcase the delectable cuisine with a diverse mix of 40+ gourmet food trucks gathered at Citizens Business Bank Arena where the community can experience several epicurean delights all at one location.   In addition to featuring these mobile eateries, there will be a kid’s fun zone featuring paint less paintball, rock climbing, bounce houses and more.  Also live local music, business vendors, giveaways, and more. Sponsors include AEG Facilities, Levy Restaurants, Burrtec, and City of Ontario. 

Tickets are $10 General Admission, $8 in Advance; Children age 6 and under are free. Parking is free.  Early Entry tickets are an additional $5. Tickets may be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com (plus fees) or at Citizens Business Bank Arena box office.  Visit www.iefoodtruckfest.com for more details.

About the IE Dixie Salsa BBQ Competition – Brought to you by the Hispanic Business Alliance, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society the first annual IE Dixie Salsa BBQ Competition will take place at Citizens Business Bank Arena.  Over 30 teams will compete for cash prizes and trophies.  A Certified Barbeque Judging Class will be offered prior to the competition on May 4th.  Over 70 local business vendors will be on site.  A Live Music Youth Competition will support local groups with cash prizes and community support.  In addition a car show, children’s activity zone, entertainment and more will provide a fun filled family event.  Sponsored by Corporate Advocate, Radio LAZER, Minuteman Press, Novelty Printing, Elite Reward Card, Plan Ahead Events, Epiphany Marketing.

Tickets are $10 General Admission, $8 in Advance, Children 6 and under are FREE.  Parking is FREE.  Tickets are available at Citizens Business Bank Arena box office or ticketmaster.com (plus fees).  Visit facebook.com/dixiesalsa2012 or www.hbatoday.com for more details. 

About Citizens Business Bank Arena – built and owned by the City of Ontario, operated by AEG Facilities, includes 9,500 fixed seats with additional “portable” seating risers to accommodate capacities of 11,089 for concerts, 9,736 for ice hockey or arena football and 10,832 for basketball. The 225,000 square foot venue features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities. Citizens Business Bank Arena hosts ice hockey and a variety of other sporting competitions, concerts, family shows, special events, conventions, school and community activities as well as private events.  The Arena is home to Ontario Reign, an ECHL Premier AA Hockey Team.  The venue is the largest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, an area with over 4.1 million people. It is located in the City of Ontario, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway.

For more information and future updates please visit:  CBBankArena.com

US Forest Service announces 2012 fee waiver days to increase visitor opportunities, stimulate local economies

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

First fee waiver weekend is Jan. 14-16 in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2012 — The U.S. Forest Service announced today eight dates for the new year when national forests nationwide will waive fees that are usually collected to support forest maintenance and amenities.
“We encourage the public to get outdoors in America’s vast and dynamic playground,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We hope that visiting your beautiful national forests and grasslands will help people gain a deep appreciation for natural resources, and create lifelong memories.”

Visitors to national forests will not pay fees on the following dates in 2012:

• Jan. 14-16 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend
• June 9 — Get Outdoors Day
• Sept. 29 — National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 10-12 — Veterans Day weekend

Despite the Forest Service’s fee waivers, the agency does not usually charge for visitors to national forests. In fact, the Forest Service does not charge for access on 98 percent of its land. More than two-thirds of the Forest Service’s approximately 18,000 recreation sites nationwide can be used for free. They include picnic sites, campsites, beach and lake areas, trails, boat launches, and cabins.
The mission of the U.S. Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Recreational activities on our lands contribute $14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

WINTERFEST TO UPLIFT WOMEN

Posted by Inland Empire Tourism Council

Ladies and Gents Battle it out on Rails, Catwalk, and Dance Floor to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer  

 

Big Bear Lake, Calif. January 12, 2011 – The inaugural XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest showcases females vs. males in three categories that includes a snowboard rail jam, fashion shows, and DJ battles. The purpose of the event is to educate and uplift women through fun, non-competitive events vs. men, and to raise awareness of breast cancer and the value of living an active lifestyle.

“We want to give women a comfortable forum where they can showcase their talents without any pressures. Winterfest is designed to give them a chance to playfully participate against the guys in a fun atmosphere,” said XOS Productions Event Producer Marisa Lupo. “The other key piece of Winterfest is to communicate the message about breast cancer, the importance of self examination and early detection, and to provide knowledge to fight the deadly disease.”

The two day event is February 3 and 4, 2012 in The Big Bear Village at the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot. The event kicks off Friday, February 3 with a night-time DJ concert, featuring top-name DJs, and fashion show inside a large structured tent. The following day, Saturday, February 4, the Big Bear Visitor Center parking lot transforms into a winter-themed festival with a kid’s snow play area, snowshoe demos, live entertainment, carnival-type games, food vendors, art displays, winter apparel and booths providing information about breast cancer awareness. The main attraction on Saturday is the XOS Rail Jam that features top female snowboarders that rival top male snowboarders on professionally-built rails and jibs for an exciting snowboarding competition. Once the sun goes down, the music starts up again in the tented arena for a second DJ concert and fashion show Saturday night. Headlining acts for both Friday and Saturday evenings include internationally-renowned DJs Revolvr, Tatiana Fontes and Kristina Sky. Other performers include 2Deadbeatz, Duality, Shibby, MC2 and Ayla Simone. The tented events provide entertaining male vs. female DJ battles, dance-offs and catwalk fashion struts.           

XOS Battle of the Sexes Winterfest is Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4. Both of the evening tented DJ concerts are from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight for ages 18 and over. Admission is $25 each night. (A portion of ticket sales goes to Boarding for Breast Cancer, a non-profit, youth-focused education, awareness and fundraising foundation for breast cancer.) Saturday’s daytime festivities are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission for all daytime activities, which includes the XOS Rail Jam are FREE and open to all ages. The location of the event is at The Big Bear Visitor Center, 630 Bartlett Road in Big Bear Lake. For more event information visit www.xosproductions.com. To purchase discounted concert tickets and lodging packages log onto www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.