The official countdown will be marked by a banging of the foliage gong and an "official" prediction of the winter's snowfall.

The Mad River Valley's sixth annual Peak Day will also feature children's activities.

"The celebration is certainly picking up steam," notes Susan Roy, director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce. "We're becoming foliage central here, with many state and regional folks awaiting word on the year's Peak Day."

The Mad River Valley Chamber has a running countdown to Peak Day and a live web-cam broadcast at its web site, www.madrivervalley.com .

Mad River Valley businesses and homeowners are also invited to build fall displays using pumpkins, squash, sunflowers, mums, corn stalks and more. Build a display on the lawn, porch or front window. Call the chamber at 496-3409 to register a display. Displays should be up and ready by September 24 and stay up through Peak Day.

Sugarbush will continue the salute to autumn with its annual community day on Saturday, October 6. The day-long event will celebrate the upcoming winter as well as share plans for the approaching ski season.

The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and tea, followed by a presentation and a question and answer session beginning around 10:30 a.m.

The presentation is followed by a barbeque, live music and myriad mountain activities including the zip line, mountain biking and disc or traditional golf. The lift will be open for all of Columbus Day weekend; 2007-08 season pass holders ride for free.

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