COAL CREEK CANYON — With the sweet sounds of bluegrass filling the air on a gorgeous day in Coal Creek Canyon, there couldn’t be a better way of celebrating mountain life than by raising funds for the very surroundings we inhabited. 

Mountain Fest was acting out its 14th year as a festival and as Coal Creek Canyon Parks & Rec’s main fundraiser. Folks contributed to the cause by donation or with the purchase of tickets to buy beer, seltzers, or wine as well as to participate in the games. There was also a silent auction full of prizes from local swag and gift cards to professional soccer game tickets. 

Since the beginning of this fundraising tradition, Coal Creek residents have been able to raise over $800,000 in improvements for the school property. Since Coal Creek does not have a recreation center, the money they raise goes into improving the school property. 

Starting the festivities at noon, patrons could participate in several different enjoyable activities ranging from a frozen flannel contest to a pet fashion show. Perhaps my favorite event was chicken poop bingo, where the fate of chicken poop decided who got a prize. A huge double blow-up slide was set up on one of the fields for a bit of a thrill.

Providing some extra mountain charm was Steepland String Band, hailing from the San Juan Mountains. Their string-filled melodies served as the perfect backdrop for the day, closing their set with a cover from Jeff Austin, a late local favorite in these parts. 

Not forgetting a thing, food trucks were invited and vendors set up for patrons to browse during the festival. All in all, it was a perfectly rounded event.

Make sure to keep your eye out for next year’s event and help contribute to a wholesome, local cause.