The Coal Creek Canyon Park and Recreation District hosted the annual Mountain Fest on Saturday, August 10, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association Hall, 31528 Highway 72. This event was full of fun with a Dragon slide for the kids, mountain games, Hybre Thorne’s Soap Whittlin’ Contest, and Frozen Flannel. Hoodies, hats and tees were on sale at the ticket tent.

Rachel Vermeal, president of the District Board for four years, has lived in Coal Creek Canyon for 13 years. She reminded all that the Coal Creek Canyon Park and Recreation District was founded in 2009.

The District helps Coal Creek residents and families access recreational opportunities. They helped build soccer and ball fields at the Coal Creek school and just constructed a pavilion on the school campus in conjunction with Jefferson County Open Spaces. The District also offers recreational programs, a summer soccer camp, and a middle school sports program.

Vermeal said Mountain Fest is the District’s major fundraiser, starting in 2011. It has run every year since except for one during COVID.

On Saturday, the Fest had nine vendors, a food truck, DJ on the Fly providing karaoke, and live music with Steep Land String Band. New Terrain Brewery provided the beer.

The main activity was Mountain Olympics. It featured teams of three participating in seven events with sign-ups starting at noon. These free events combined mind, strength, and flair with log splitting, sheer pin hunt, knot-tying, disc golf, nature ID, team trekkers and hobby moose dressage!

Among the vendors were Michelle Powell with crocheted goods and candles, her husband Bruce Powell with his knives and blacksmith skills, and Musette Young with mugs and other pottery. The Cub Scouts were there with leader Karen Dropps displaying scout literature.

Dropps said they will have an enrollment day at the Hall for Cub Scouts on September 4 at 6:30 p.m. for Kindergarten students through fifth grade. Regular meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hall.

“Mountain Fest 2024 was full of shenanigans, laughs, and amazing support for CCCPRD,” their website reported. “Thanks to the community, volunteers, sponsors and vendors for a great day.”

Winners were:

Soap Whittlin’ Champ: Efong Yee

Soap Whittlin’ Kids Champ: Roman

Frozen Flannel Champ: Charles Hirtz

Mountain Olympics Gold: Hilltop Hooligand

For more information about the Coal Creek Canyon Park and Recreation District go to https://www.cccparkandrec.org/.