Blogs

Photo Blog: Friday at 49ers Winter Fest

Though neither had ever been curling before, tight ends Delanie Walker and Nate Byham made a competition out of the curling tutorial at the 49ers Winter Fest.

“We discussed it last night after I got in,” said Byham. “Delanie said, ‘I’ve been running this curling event.’ I’ve never done it yet, but I have some confidence.”

All the guests received instruction from Olympians John Benton and Tracy Sachtjen, but Byham and Walker were the first to land their stones in “the house,” meaning inside the scoring rings. That was a much more difficult task than anticipated with less than ideal ice conditions.

By the end of the event, the two were competing, knocking stones out of scoring position, but it was Walker who won the round.

Walker had his game face on as he challenged Byham.

Walker made sure to let everyone know he had beaten his fellow tight end.

Defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois didn’t want to have any part in throwing the stones, but was a quick study as a sweeper.

After curling, guests with a sweet tooth were invited to a cupcake tasting. Each person received five mini-cupcakes from Batch Cupcakery in Olympic Valley and were asked to guess the flavors. Walker and Byham were seated at the same table and once again, they turned things into a competition.

Byham guessed all five flavors correctly, while Walker was incorrect on vanilla.

“He may have beaten me at curling,” said Byham, “but I am the better cupcake taster.”

Former San Francisco Giants shortstop Rich Aurilia took part in the wine tasting event.  Aurilia was invited by the York family and jumped at the opportunity to help a Bay Area charity.

“Anytime you can come do something that’s going to help youth, especially for children who are at risk, I think everybody’s going to take part and give everything they have to support that,” said Aurilia.

Aurilia said he had been following the 49ers last season and expects them to do even better in 2012.

“I think it was a banner year for them,” said Aurilia. “It’s something to build for next year. With some of the additions I’m sure they’ll make, I’m sure they’ll contend again next year.”

Fresh off three free agent signings on Thursday (Mario Manningham, Ted Ginn Jr. and Josh Johnson), 49ers general manager Trent Baalke arrived at the Resort at Squaw Creek this afternoon.

There will be a silent auction tonight followed by a live auction after dinner. Stay tuned for updates from Saturday.