Rails & Ales Rail Jam returns to downtown Wenatchee on March 7

WENATCHEE. — Rails & Ales, described by organizers as the largest annual rail jam in the country, will return to downtown Wenatchee on Saturday, March 7.

The event will bring truckloads of snow from Mission Ridge Ski + Board Resort to create a rail course for skiers and snowboarders. Activities will take place along Wenatchee Avenue and Orondo Avenue, with Centennial Park serving as a central venue.

Family snow play is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., followed by the rail jam competition at 4:30 p.m. An awards presentation with cash prizes is planned for 8 p.m. in Centennial Park.

Centennial Park will host ski and snowboard demos, snowshoeing opportunities through the Wenatchee River Institute and other family-oriented snow activities.

Live music is scheduled from 2:30 to 9 p.m. Performers include 23RD Street at 2:30 p.m., Chumlilies at 5 p.m. and Buzz Brump at 7:30 p.m.

Beer gardens for attendees 21 and older will feature craft beverages from Pinnacle Beerworks, Hellbent Brewing and Timberline Brewing. Organizers said Timberline Brewing’s beer garden will be family friendly. Food vendors are expected to include Sammies and Hammies, Mountain Berry Bowls, Tasty Tacos and R Shack BBQ & Catering.

Organizers said the event will operate as a zero-waste event in partnership with Sustainable NCW and Wenatchee Valley Rotary. Volunteers will staff waste stations to assist attendees with sorting compost, recycling and trash. Compostable supplies and food waste collection will be processed through Winton MFG Compost Works.

Rails & Ales is presented by Numerica Credit Union. Sponsors include Craft, Visit Chelan County, Thriving Together NCW, Wenatchee Valley Medical Group, PSOMAS, Weinstein Beverage/Pepsi and Native Network.