Seth Wescott show off his Gold medal. (Heidi Murphy photo) CARRABASSETT VALLEY –- Seth Wescott received a hero’s welcome Saturday at Sugarloaf. It was a day that begged for celebration. The snow was deep, the sun was bright, music blasted from speakers on the Beach in front of the Base Lodge, and Wescott was back home with his Gold medal from the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

The Welcome Home Celebration kicked off at 1 p.m. with Sugarloaf president John Diller and Norway Savings Bank President Bob Harmon greeting the hundreds of people who had gathered at the Beach and Landing area. From the upper deck of the Base Lodge, they offered their congratulations to Wescott, saying they were proud to have him represent the Sugarloaf community, the Norway Savings Bank family and the state of Maine.

Skiers in the Sugarloaf Bubblecuffer programs led Wescott from the top of the Landing to the upper deck of the Widowmaker. As the young skiers and boarders stopped at the bottom, they created a path for Wescott who then snowboarded through the crowd, high-fiving those who were lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time and smiling amid the flashing cameras.

“What an historic day,” said Maine Governor John Baldacci as he greeted Wescott. “It’s a perfect day because we’ve got Seth Wescott here. He is someone who has never forgotten his roots, never forgets his friends and family and has always represented us so well.”

“I’m here today to recognize Seth and make him an official Ambassador for the State of Maine. And, today is proclaimed as Seth Wescott Day!”

Wescott greeted the crowd and said it was overwhelming to get such a great homecoming. “People have asked me what the importance of representing our country is. For me, in my heart, when I go out there on that stage, I’m representing the State of Maine.”

He went on to thank those in the Sugarloaf community and state who believed in him.

Following the ceremony, Wescott signed autographs downstairs in the Base Lodge for well over two hours. The line wound through Village Center, past the Ski Shop and down the stairs by Village West. Fans were given commemorative Seth Wescott posters and many chose to have their helmets, skis or snowboards signed.

A “Toast to Seth Wescott,” led by CVA’s John Ritzo, was held in the Widowmaker Lounge following the autograph session.

The homecoming celebration kicked off the “VISA Seth Wescott Ride With Me Tour,” which will see Wescott traveling across the nation to celebrate his Olympic victory and to share his passion for the sport of snowboarding.

Maine native Seth Wescott is one of the most accomplished and decorated athletes in snowboarding history. He is an 11-year US Snowboarding Team Veteran, eight-time X-Games medalist, former World and US Champion, and holds the only two Olympic Gold Medals ever awarded in the sport of snowboardcross.

Follow: www.sethwescott.com, www.sugarloaf.com/seth.