You may have been to many balls in your
lifetime, such as Christmas Balls, Spring Balls,
and even Debutante Balls – but if you haven’t
been to the Sneaker Ball in Aspen, Colorado,
you are missing out on all the fun! Known as
‘Aspen’s Greatest Party,’ the Sneaker Ball is
held annually at the St. Regis Hotel on East
Dean Street every March.
Back in 1986, the very first Sneaker Ball was
held by Al Gross and David Nauss of Paine
Weber, Inc – in Boston. The party was a
celebration of Reebok shares trading on the
stock market for the very first time. This black
tie event was much like other balls – but
everyone was wearing Reeboks, and the first
Sneaker Ball was born.
The following year, Al Gross decided that this
was the kind of party that people really liked –
but instead of being limited to white Reeboks,
the idea would be for the guests to wear formal
gowns and tuxedos, with decorated tennis
shoes. The party was moved to Aspen, where
people know how to party – and thousands of
people from all over the world fly into Aspen to
attend.
One of the nicest things guests like about the
Sneaker Ball is that it is for a good cause. All
of the proceeds go to Grass Roots, which is a
program designed to help inner-city kids. These
kids are brought to Aspen to experience what
life outside the city is. Many of these kids don’t
even realize that places like Aspen really exist.
Tickets cost $125 per person, which isn’t too
bad considering that the money is for a good
cause.
People from diverse backgrounds attend the
Sneaker Ball each year. Famous people are
there, infamous people, and people who are
neither famous nor infamous attend – and
every one has a fantastic time. The party gets
started at about 9:30pm and ends around
1:30am – followed by many ‘after parties’ in
various locations throughout Aspen.
If you’ve ever wanted to attend one of those
glitzy ‘Hollywood type’ parties, here is your
chance! You will rub elbows with the famous,
show off your custom designed sneakers
along with your formal wear, and dance the
night away – and all for a very good cause.
This is an event that sells out fast. Contact the
Chamber of Commerce in Aspen to find out
when the Sneaker Ball is scheduled, and
purchase your tickets right away. Also check
with the various hotels and lodges to inquire
about package deals and get your
reservations set before everything is sold out!
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