The first annual Beaver Valley Climbing Festival (BVCF) took place on August 24th at Metcalfe Rock with great support from organizations in the climbing community and local business from the Beaver Valley area. The event was embraced by a great turnout of local climbers and local community who enjoyed outdoor climbing, slacklining and yoga clinics. A friendly outdoor competition format, aerial silk performance, bike demos, and professional massages all were very popular. Once the sun set, the evening featured generous prize draws, live music and catered food and camping at The Rob Roy Dogsled Farm.
The whole event was the brain child of Jennie Elmslie (Free Spirit Tours) and Leslie Timms (On The Rocks Climbing) who pulled it together in only about
two months. The $4500 in funds raised from the event benefited the Ontario Access Coalition whose mission is to preserve and promote sustainable access to Ontario climbing resources. The OAC has already lined the funds up for a special project in partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources to help ensure the sustainability of climbing in Kolapore Uplands where the festival occurred.
Major sponsorship for the event that made it all possible was provided by Joe Rockheads and Boulderz Climbing Centre, with a long list of other organizations providing needed support. Immediately upon the events conclusion talk turned to not only the great success, but excitement about next year’s festival! For more information about the Beaver Valley Climbing Festival please visit www.beavervalleyclimbingfestival.com
