HIGHMOUNT, New York ??” The highlight of Columbus Day weekend is the Belleayre Mountain Fall Festival and Craft Fair. Make plans to attend on October 8 & 9, 2005 from 10 am to 5 pm both days. Now in its 26th year, the Fall Festival has been a popular destination for spectacular views of peak fall foliage and for browsing through over 100 booths of outstanding crafts. With free admission and free parking, there’s no reason not to come. Keep the kids entertained in the children’s craft tent, fishing for trout in the pond, face painting, a fun obstacle course and hanging out with Smokey Bear. Everyone will enjoy delicious German fare, along with a seasonal Oktoberfest brew at the beer wagon, served up by Boston Culinary Group. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes to groove to local favorites “Blues Maneuvers” performing Saturday and “The Bellbottoms” on Sunday, both from 1 – 5 pm. There’s no reason to worry if the weather is less than stellar, as most of the Fall Festival is housed inside the Overlook Lodge or under tents.

The Ski & Snowboard Winter Equipment and Apparel Sale has been such a huge success in the past few years, that they’re bringing it back, bigger and better than ever. Enjoy deep discounts on all the gear you’ll need to get you ready for another season of skiing and riding from shops like Blue Sky Sports, the Belleayre Ski Shop, the Pro Ski & Ride and Catskill Forest Sports. Located at the entrance of the Festival, this is one sale that would be a shame to miss.

Columbus Day weekend is traditionally the peak for autumn foliage, and there’s no better view of the splendor than from the summit of Belleayre Mountain. The Sky Ride gives an effortless lift to the top of the mountain, where one can photograph the breathtaking display, stroll along the summit ridge, or for the more adventurous, explore the many hiking trails.

The Fall Festival is the best time to purchase your season pass to Belleayre Mountain for the 2005-06 season, and is the last chance to take advantage of the new Early Bird Special. Purchase an adult or senior season pass at the Fall Festival and receive two free lift tickets to keep or give to a friend, as well as free enrollment in the Adult Weekend Workshop or a Women’s Seminar. Call ahead for all the details.

For more information on the Fall Festival and Craft Fair at Belleayre Mountain on October 8 & 9, check out www.belleayre.com or call toll-free 800-942-6904.