ANTELOPE BUTTE SKI AREA - Executive Director of the Antelope Butte Foundation Jamie Schlectman witnessed last year's inaugural Summer Festival and she helped bring together this year's festival.

"There's a marked improvement between this year's festival and last year's. We're hoping to bring in a headliner musical artist in the years to come," Schlectman said.

The Antelope Butte Ski Area, 35 miles east of Greybull off of U.S. Highway 14, was filled with music and race enthusiasts this past weekend. The festival saw nine musical artists perform, the bulk of them performing on Saturday.

One of the bands that performed on Saturday goes by the name of "Bad Surgery" whose lead singer is ABF President Mark Weitz.

"We'd like to thank everyone who came out to support us this weekend," Weitz said. "We look forward to opening the resort and are encouraging the public to donate to help assist in paying for the first installment."

The foundation used all proceeds from the festival to help in the re-opening of the ski area, which is scheduled to open in December 2016. The ski area has been closed since 2004.

"With the success of the Summer Festival, we are going to officially kick off our public financing campaign to purchase the ski area plus securing an assurance bond for $305,000. We have our first payment due (to the Bighorn National Forest) in 45 days. Now is the time for the community to make their tax deductible donation to help us achieve our goal of reopening the Antelope Butte Ski and Recreation Area," Schlectman said.

Saturday kicked off with a blessing of the mountain by the Crow Nation.

"We recognize that the Crow people have a long history and a strong spiritual connection with these sacred mountains," Weitz said.

He added, "Beyond the upcoming ceremony, we look forward to developing a strong partnership with our friends to the north so that we all can enjoy the health benefits and personal revitalization that comes from recreating and spending time in this special high country."

For information on how to donate to ABF or for any general inquiry, contact Schlectman at 530-386-6597.