CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME ??” More than 10,000 reggae and spring skiing fans converged at the base of Sugarloaf/USA for the 17th Annual Budweiser Reggae Festival on Saturday, April 10 setting an all-time attendance record for this long standing spring tradition.

Thanks to huge snow base depths, skiers and riders flocked to the slopes to enjoy the most open terrain in New England. By early afternoon, their attention turned toward The Beach where music fans were greeted by the sounds of the Caribbean from artists such as Vibe Wise, Toussaint, and the Black Rebels. After dark, the one-and-only Wailers performed to a sell-out crowd inside the base lodge. The legendary Mikey Dread and the Fear Nuttin Band rounded out what has been called the strongest weekend lineup in the event’s history.

Event organizers attribute this year’s success to the overall package that Sugarloaf offered to skiers and non-skiers alike. “Deep snow on the slopes, an absolutely beautiful day, and an amazing group of musicians made this year’s Budweiser Reggae Festival one for the record books,” said Karen Greene, Sugarloaf’s brand manager.

In addition to live entertainment all day long at the base of the mountain, the spring skiing and riding was pristine all weekend long. The snowstorms of February and March ensured terrific skiing on nearly 95 percent of the mountain, or 124 trails, offering some of the best spring conditions in the industry. Because the snow pack is so deep, Sugarloaf will offer excellent conditions through Sunday, April 24.

The springtime reggae festival was born at Sugarloaf. The event got its start in 1987 as a way to celebrate the changing of the seasons and truly enjoy the deep snow and warm sun that define spring skiing and riding. Today, the event has grown to be one of the most popular weekends of the season, drawing thousands of reggae and spring skiing fans from throughout New England and beyond.

Sugarloaf’s lifts will continue to turn until Sunday, April 24, 2005. The nationally renowned Sugarloaf Golf Club is expected to open for the season May 13. For more information and to book tee times or lodging reservations, log on to www.sugarloaf.com or call 1-800-THE LOAF.