AUBURN — Lost Valley and the Auburn Ski Association will be hosting the 22nd Magno­Packard Memorial Race (formerly Tom Magno Memorial Race) on Saturday, March 4, 2017.

The race is to honor local athletes and the volunteers who keep the tradition and love of competitive racing alive from generation to generation.

Tom Magno was captain of the state championship 1967 Edward Little Ski Team at a time when combined scoring in four events ­ downhill, slalom, cross country and jumping ­ determined the winning team. He won the state nordic combined and jumping championships which earned him a place on the U.S. Junior National team. Unfortunately, financial considerations ended his pursuit of the sport after high school. Tom passed away January 15, 1995 at the age of 47.

Bob Packard was a 1980 graduate of Lewiston High School. He was a member of the Auburn Ski Association and the consummate volunteer, always available to help with the course or in anyway needed to hold a successful event for the ‘kids.’ Without the dedication of volunteers like Bob, a generation of new racers would not have the opportunity to experience the joy of racing and the friendships formed in the skiing community. Bob passed away June 10, 2015 at the age of 53.

Categories for the race are in both Alpine and Snowboard for ages from 3-­73! Register the morning of the event from 8-9:30 a.m. The $20 entry fee includes a lift ticket. Race begins by 10 a.m. Gold, silver and bronze medals are given in each category, as well as special awards/prizes in ‘fun’ categories. This event is known for an emphasis on family participation.

The kids love racing with dad, mom, grandma and granddad! One of the highlights of this race is the ‘shootout,’ when the top finishers in chosen categories go head to head in dual pro­format, racing with differential timing in order to determine the King (or Queen) of Lost Valley.