A ski jumping tradition is alive and well in Waupaca County.

Sunday the Iola Winter Sports Club celebrated 100 years of thrilling competitions.

Skiers past and present came to Iola to celebrate the spirit of the sport and to mark this milestone.

Hundreds of people came to watch skiers race down runs and glide through the air.

The celebration is apart of the village's Winter Festival.

One of the organizers says they wanted to honor all of the club's commitment to encouraging future championship skiers.

"This club was formed in 1910 and it's their 100th Anniversary this year. They have been important to the community and having a wonderful time with ski jumping," says Eugene Knutson, Chairman of the Winter Festival.

Skiers of all ages bravely breezed down the ski runs.

They range from 5 to 60 meters long.

He says people come from far and wide to experience the excitement and the tradition in Iola.

"We've got people here from Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, and all over Wisconsin for Ski Jumping," says Knutson.

But they did take a break from the skiing action for a dedication ceremony.

This historic marker will be mounted on the chalet to mark the ski spot for future generations.

The historical society also commemorated the event by displaying old pictures, newspaper clippings and memorabilia.