Smugglers' Notch Resort and Jeffersonville, VT10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Independence Day Parade at 10:00 am in Jeffersonville, VT.
Main Street Celebration 11:00 am - 4:00 pm featuring artists & art galleries, live music by the Sky Blue ...
Goodtime Charlie Retirement Mention the name Goodtime Charlie to any Smugglers' Notch guest and notice the immediate look of happiness and nostalgia that crosses their face. How could it not? To many he has been the fun-loving face of Smuggs for half a century. While he thought about staying with the Resort forever, he recently made the difficult decision to set down his mic and retire. As hard as it is to say good-bye, the Smuggs family wishes him nothing but love and gratitude as he begins this new journey.
Before Smugglers’ transitioned to the family-focused vacation destination it is today, Charlie Rice was lead singer of the popular Burlington, VT-based band, Downpour. In 1971 he got his first Smuggs gig, playing the après ski parties on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as rock shows at the Resort. Charlie and Downpour gained notoriety and local celebrity status as they toured New England and beyond for 28 years. Somehow, through all that, the good times always kept rolling, with Charlie squeezing in Smuggs performances too. Downpour played their final show in 1999 but Charlie found a new way to entertain at the Resort he loved.
Charlie’s role evolved from the front man of the band to the front man of entertainment at the Resort, from the Bonfire Sing-Along to Entertainment on the Green to the Dance Party and Showtime Theatre. These entertaining moments led to a lifetime of memories for those in attendance. “Charlie has been the incredible voice of Smugglers’ for over 50 years,” said Activities Director, Stacey Comishock. “His dedication, enthusiasm, and love for Smuggs has grown and fostered SmuggsLove from countless guests around the country.
Charlie recently recalled a time when he was tapped on the shoulder and a guest shared, “I started here at 4-years-old at your bonfire sing-alongs, now I’m here with my kids and we’re starting all over again and I don’t want you to change a thing. You’ve still got to do Puff The Magic Dragon.” A true people-person, Charlie cherishes this relationship he has with visiting families, many who send him Christmas cards and letters during the year
And speaking of family, Charlie recalls Downpour finishing up with an après ski party at Smuggs in 1977, then immediately heading to watch his son be born. Charlie and his wife Susan have two children that throughout their lives have worked at Smuggs. It is needless to say that Smuggs holds a special place in the hearts of Charlie’s family – including his 5 grandchildren!
He has touched the lives of so many – from our guests to all those who have worked with him over five decades. Everyone here at Smuggs is wishing Charlie and his family the very best, and we’re sure he’ll be receiving Christmas cards and letters from the Smuggs family, far and wide, for years to come.
For anyone that would like to send Goodtime Charlie a message, he can be reached at crice@smuggs.comFall 2021
The Canadian border reopening after 19-months because of the pandemic will make a difference to Smugglers' Notch Resort and the village of Jeffersonville, VT. Watch this story by reporter Jack Thurston and videographer Kika Bronger from New England Cable News (NECN) for more. Big day for bargain hunting for ski and board gear. The Smugglers' Notch Ski & Snowboard Club holds it annual Swap at St. Michael's College. A story that aired on WCAX-TV.Indigenous People's Day
The Wolowozi Event will be held October 10, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Smugglers’ Village Green, continuing into the evening with two movies in the Meeting House.
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