John Scarffe, Coal Creek Canyon. The eighth annual Mountain Fest celebration at the Coal Creek Improvement Association on Saturday afternoon, August 3, 2019, was billed as the Silly Sister to Frozen Dead Guy Days, in Nederland, and featured burly man contests, pie eating, a beard contest, activities for children, food and beer. The parking lot was across from the Association, so participants walked to the event. 

Organizer Robin Platt said the benefit provides funds for the Coal Creek Parks and Recreation Department. The celebration also includes a wood splitting contest and a treasure hunt for the children, Platt said. The band Knucklehorn also entertained. 

Organizer Linda Martin said she has helped with the event all eight years and served for eight years on the Coal Creek Parks and Recreation Board. The event had its inception in 2009, and Martin has been the organizer since 2011, although the event did not take place in 2013.

The Road Kill Grill attracted lots of hungry folks. It featured a Black Bear Burger that was actually beef, Bobcat Brats, which were actually pork, and Hummingbird Hot Dogs, which were beef, along with chips, soda, beer and wine.

The Mountain Fest also included a car show, a best beard and fake beard contest, a pie bake off, donut eating, soap whistling and a frozen T-shirt contest.

The organizers hope the happy crowds will help raise funds for Coal Creek Parks and Recreation.

(Originally published in the August 8, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)