Ask anyone who works at Seven Springs what is Melissa Cullin’s title, and you will get a bevy of answers: Special Events Coordinator, Festival Manager, Carney, and Party Organizer – to name a few. The best one I’ve ever heard is “Director of Fun.” It fits for so many reasons – from her sharp sense of humor to her ability to take a simple idea and make it extraordinary. As Manager of Events, Melissa is the point person on every festival, every ski race and every New Year’s Eve party – name an event, Melissa has probably created, developed and executed it.

When asked if she has a favorite event, her reply was “you’re going to laugh, but it’s like having children – they’re all special in their own way.” She explained that each event has its own niche – whether it’s Wine Fest, bringing wine lovers from across the state; the Rib and Wing Festival with yummy food and plenty of entertainment; or Winterfest, which has something for every member of the family.

Yes, there are similarities when it comes to staffing, ordering tents and food, deciding admission and picking an entrance, but each has something different to offer guests whether you’re young or old, single or a family – there is an event that everyone will love.

“I think that’s why I like what I do,” Melissa said.  “Nothing is ever the same – each event is different.” Not only is every event different, but every event poses different challenges. “Winter is a completely different animal,” she said.  “If you have an event in the summer, rain and warm is one thing, but ice and cold is another.”

Because of the unpredictability of the weather in the winter, she always has to be thinking on her feet – weather can make or break an event.  On top of weather, Melissa always takes into account making sure there is something for everyone at the events – from activities for skiers and non-skiers in the winter to activities for families, couples and individuals year-round. Although she said that she loves all of the events, Melissa admits to having favorites.

“If I could attend one event in the summer, it would be Wine Festival,” she said. “For anyone who enjoys wine, it’s also a great way to taste different wines and find out what you like, tasting it before you buy it.”  It eliminates the chance consumers take when they go to the liquor store and buy wine, hoping that the pretty bottle will mean good wine, or at least something they can cook with.

“I think that option is huge – like sliced bread or electricity,” she said, laughing.  “You can buy your wine, check it and then pick it up at the end of the day.”

With all of these different and changing events – all the planning, organizing and time that goes into them – you might expect that Melissa’s favorite part about events would be when they’re over.  You couldn’t be more wrong.

“I love getting here at 6:30 a.m. – it’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop,” she said. “There are very few people here.”

Then fast forward through the day, and she gets to watch employees mill in as they begin setting up tables, food, chairs and whatever else the event may need.  But don’t blink, because the next thing you know there are thousands of people here.

“It’s the excitement of anticipating what’s going to happen.”

After the event is over, Melissa enjoys knowing that all the planning she did was worth it because everyone had a good time.