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Old Dominion and Edwin McCain perform at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek as part of the Rocky Mountain ߣÏÈÉú Fest, which comes to Colorado to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research. The event, Jan. 13-15, brings kids with cancer to the mountains to ski and ice skate with the musicians, as well as enjoy a concert and an opening night dinner with songwriters in the round. Limited tickets to the concert are available to the public and benefit the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, which funds research to find less toxic and more effective treatments for children with cancer.

“A lot of kids are being treated with adult doses, and it is so damaging to their little systems,” said Mollie Case, founder of Rocky Mountain ߣÏÈÉú Fest Foundation. Case launched the Rocky Mountain ߣÏÈÉú Fest in 2018 in Aspen through her experience working in the event business. For years, she worked in the NASCAR industry planning golf tournaments and other events. One of the NASCAR drivers had a ranch in Basalt, and together they came up with the Rocky Mountain ߣÏÈÉú Fest, in which a group of kids fighting cancer get a chance to ski, along with one caregiver, and also attend a concert and other events with family members.

McCain has performed in the festival since its inception.

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“His father was a pediatric physician, and he’s very philanthropic, as is Old Dominion,” Case said.

The logistics in Aspen proved a bit too difficult, so Case moved the event to Vail. In 2023, she shifted over to Beaver Creek, with its family-friendly environment and ski resort, ice rink and performing arts center all centrally located. Now, they’re committed to Beaver Creek indefinitely.

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Last year, the event was smaller, because Old Dominion’s singer couldn’t attend the concert, so McCain performed at a small, private show. But this year, the event returns in full force.

Ten “pediatric warriors,” as Case calls them, come to Beaver Creek with their families, who can ice skate and attend the concert and special meals. Most come from Denver Children’s Hospital, but the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation identifies some of the children who are healthy enough to participate in the sports. Rocky Mountain ߣÏÈÉú Fest pays for lift tickets, any needed lessons, skating, a pizza party and renting out the Vilar for the concert. The musicians are involved the whole time, skiing, skating and eating with the kids.

“They are such good guys. They come into the room with these families for breakfast, and they just disperse,” Case said, adding that not all musicians or celebrities she has worked with in various events jump in as quickly. “They’re truly the best of the best. They’re really good with kids on the mountain — and they donate their time. They’re just good human beings.”

Old Dominion travels in from Nashville, Tennessee after being named country music group of the year for the last seven years by the Academy of Country Music, as well as six-time Country Music Association Vocal Group. Their hits include “Song for Another Time,” “Hotel Key,” “Break up with Him,” “Make it Sweet” and “One Man Band.”

McCain has accrued more than 30 years of hits, including two of the biggest love songs in history: “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” in addition to starring on the television series “Flippin’ Ships” on Animal Planet.

“Old Dominion and Edwin McCain’s Rocky Mountain ߣÏÈÉú Fest creates unforgettable experiences and joyful memories for children and families affected by pediatric cancer, while also raising awareness and vital funds for pediatric cancer research,” Case said.

“It is the only event of its kind. … With all the medical bills, these families can’t afford to go skiing. It’s a beautiful atmosphere for the families. They realize they haven’t had time to be a family because of routine hospital visits.”

The skating and pizza party includes siblings, who Case said sometimes become overlooked due to the cancer crisis.

“The families are so incredibly thankful for everything,” a National Pediatric Cancer Foundation chief programs and operations officer stated in Rocky Mountain ߣÏÈÉú Fest’s press material. “Rocky Mtn ߣÏÈÉú Fest is one of the most impactful events I’ve been a part of.”

To support the cause through donations or sponsorship or learn more, visit