The “Legends of Aspen” film series, a joint project of the Pitkin County Library and the Aspen Hall of Fame, begins at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 in the Dunaway Community Room at the Pitkin County Library, with additional 4:30 p.m. showings on March 14 and April 11.
The lives and achievements of Aspen legends such as Fritz Benedict, Herbert Bayer, Franz Berko, Dick Durrance, Fred Braun, Bil Dunaway and their more contemporary counterparts like Sigrid and David Stapleton, Tony Vagneur, Tom and Jody Cardamone, John Keleher, Marian and Ralph Melville, John and Cynthia Callahan, Carolyn and Tom Moore, Bruce Gordon, Cherie Gerbaz Oates and Jon Busch will be showcased in short films that have been professionally produced by the Aspen Hall of Fame for its induction banquets held over the years.
The Legends of Aspen film series is free and open to the public. Schoolchildren are encouraged to attend to learn about the lives of the people who helped make Aspen a special place.
The idea for the Aspen Hall of Fame began in 1985 when the Aspen Skiing Co. was planning a celebration of Aspen’s 40th anniversary of skiing the following year. The concept was to honor the “pioneers” of Aspen who dedicated their lives to the development of skiing and the betterment of the community.
Since the first banquet in 1987, over 100 individuals have been recognized for their significant and lasting impact on the Aspen/Snowmass communities by demonstrating excellence and leadership in sports, civic activities, culture or philanthropy, according to the Aspen Hall of Fame website.
This year’s inductees are Mike Kaplan, former CEO of the Aspen Skiing Co.; Charlie Hopton, a founder of Mountain Rescue Aspen and the Western Slopes Veterans Coalition and a long-time volunteer for many local organizations; and Mary Ryerson, the president of Alpine Bank in Aspen and active volunteer for many Aspen events and groups.
They will be formally inducted at the annual Aspen Hall of Fame banquet at the Hotel Jerome on April 14. Invitations to this year’s banquet will be mailed in March. To receive one, contact info@aspenhalloffame.org