The Sneaker Ball
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!
The Ultimate Taxi
This isn’t your ordinary taxi ride! The Ultimate Taxi is actually entertainment that is not to be missed. This is a thirty to forty minute musical ride around Aspen – but it’s not like any other ride you will take in your lifetime.
The taxi you will be riding in is a 1978 Checker cab. It has been greatly modified and boasts four red lasers, a laser projector, black light effects, light washers, light orbs, mini-strobes, color changing fiber optics, a sound system, stage lights, a mirror ball, a fog machine, a keyboard, digital drums, a digital camera, a DV cam, a notebook computer, a printer, and much, much more.
Your driver will be Jon Barnes, and he has been driving tourists around Aspen since 1984. He throws in a pair of 3-D glasses, so you can view Aspen as you never have before. Featured online, in radio interviews, magazines, and newspapers, the Ultimate Taxi has become very popular. Many famous people have taken this cab ride as well, including Clint Eastwood and Jerry Seinfeld.
Get ready for a wild ride! Jon plays the keyboard and the horn while driving! With your 3-D glasses and the other toys that are included in the ride, combined with the psychedelic lighting effects, this is one ride that you will never forget! In fact, Jon makes sure of it, because there will be pictures to help you remember the event.
Make sure you buy some souvenirs before you leave. The Ultimate Taxi gift store is located right outside the doors, in the trunk. You will also have a web page memory of your ride in the Ultimate Taxi hosted on Jon’s server for all time. Take your toys and 3-D glasses home with you as well.
The Ultimate Taxi is not a ‘normal’ taxi ride. You don’t call Jon Barnes to take you where you want to go. The Ultimate Taxi is more of a musical show and adventure. It has been called the world’s smallest recording studio.
Make sure that you get your Ultimate Taxi ride while you are in Aspen, and join the ranks of Ivana, Kevin Costner, George Hamilton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dudley Moore, the Beatles, Clint Eastwood, Jerry Seinfeld, and even Regis Philbin! Due to the popularity of the Ultimate Taxi, it is probably best to call in advance for a reservation. The Ultimate Taxi is in operation from 7pm to 10pm most nights.
