Warm welcome anticipated for new Saddleback owners
By Samantha C. DePoy
Staff Writer

RANGELEY – Two hundred people, maybe more, are expected to attend a community meeting Wednesday afternoon to hear the vision Saddleback Mountain’s new owner has for his purchase, said the area’s chamber director.

Last month, a retired Farmington geology professor, Archie W. “Bill” Berry Jr., of Farmington, purchased the towering 41-trail, 4,116-foot tall mountain and 8,300 surrounding acres of pine-covered highlands, lakes and ponds.

The partnership includes his wife, Irene, and their seven children.

The ski area’s vertical drop exceeds 1,800 feet. Its two double chairlifts and three T-bar lifts serve skiers and snowboarders.

At its peak in popularity, the mountain logged 45,000 skier visits. But over the years, that figure has slumped to about 15,000. That decline impacted the business community in the Rangeley region, as well as the resort itself.

When Berry bought the mountain, he promised to slash ticket prices nearly in half to $25 for adults and to increase advertising in an attempt to bring in the skiers.

He also said he expected construction to start soon on a 120-room hotel.

That news was welcome by many, says Evelyn McAllister, director for the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

Now people want to show the Berry family their gratitude by turning out in droves at Wednesday’s meeting and welcoming reception, co-sponsored by the chamber and the town’s Rotary Club.

At the meeting, which will be downtown in the Rangeley Inn, Berry will get a chance to tell the community about his vision, development plans and philosophy, said McAllister. Then, he’ll have a chance to listen and answer questions, as community members take the floor to share their thoughts and concerns.

McAllister, who invited regional politicians and selectpeople, community members and the chamber’s 240 members, expects 200 people at least. But she says she wouldn’t be surprised if there were more.

“People want the family to know that the community is behind them and supports them. We have just been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and excitement the sale to the Berrys has created among residents, businesses and vacation owners,” she said.

“People in town just have such a good feeling about this family. You couldn’t have written a better scenario. It’s just unbelievable how lucky we are that they bought the mountain.”

The meeting and reception is open to the public and will begin at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Rangeley Inn.

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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