Coal Creek Canyon Parks and Recreation hosted the annual Mountain Fest 2023 on August 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Coal Creek Improvement Association Hall. This event was full of fun, with karaoke, treasure hunts, a Build-a- Beard contest, Hybre Thorne’s Soap Whittlin’ Contest, and the annual obstacle course.

Mountain Fest is the annual fundraiser for CCCPRD. Events included a Mountain Obstacle Course, where the winner is the one who conquers all the obstacles in the shortest amount of time. Other events included a blacksmithing demonstration, a Frozen Flannel contest, the Build-a-Beard Station, Chicken Poop Bingo, the Giant Dragon Head Slide, the Soap Whittlin’ Contest, and Karaoke with DJ on the Fly.

The hosts served up delicious eats and all enjoyed local craft beer.

Inside the hall, Coal Creek resident Linda Martin took charge of the make-your-own-beard contest. She said she has been involved in that event since 2011. There was also a display of photographs with the theme of “Mountain Water.” There were 14 entries in the contest.

The obstacle courses and wood splitting contests took place behind the Hall. President of the contest, Rachel Vermal, held down an information table and announced upcoming events.

Outside, in vendor tents, Michelle Powell and her husband Bruce displayed and his hand-made knives and blades. He can be reached at Warhorse Forgeworks at warhorseforgeworks@gmail.com, 303-917-3216. Their address is 800 Jamson Street, Denver, 80223.

The Boy Scouts had a representative from Pack 51, which will be meeting at the CCIA Hall on September 9 at 6 p.m. For more information contact info@cccsscouts.org

The event ended at 4 p.m. with prizes and results of a silent auction.

For more information go to cccparkandrec@gmail.com or rtvermeal@gmail.com.