Some of the biggest names in the Puget Sound area community will be on hand when the Rainier Mountain Festival comes to Ashford.
A celebration of climbing Mount Rainier and other big mountains, the festival has become a mountaineering reunion, said Dave Hahn, who is scheduled to attend. Hahn has climbed to the top of 29,035-foot Mount Everest 14 times and reached the top of 14,411-foot Mount Rainier more than 250 times.
The event combines the chance to meet notable climbers, take part in some outdoor games and pick up some deals on climbing gear.
THE DETAILS
When: Sept. 15-16.
Where: Rainier Basecamp, Ashford.
Meet famed climbers: More than 15 people who have reached the summit of Mount Everest are scheduled to be on hand. They include noted area climbers Ed Viesturs, Jim Whittaker, Dave Hahn, Melissa Arnot, Linden Mallory and Peter Whittaker. Several of the climbers also will be doing book signings.
Fun and games: There will be a 5-mile trail run/walk. Entry fees are $10 if postmarked prior to Sept. 5 and $15 after that. You can register online as well. There will be two alpine games. In erect-a-tent, competitors will be timed to see how fast they can put up a Mountain Hardware Trango 1.1 tent. In the sled pull, two competitors will go against each other to see who can cover the 25-yard course the quickest while pulling a sled loaded with 200 pounds of sand. For children, there will be a rock wall to climb, inflatable bounce house and other games.
Take a course: There are three courses being offered during the festival, for varying fees. They are a mountain photography workshop, mountaineering day school and wilderness first aid course. You can get details and costs on the website.
Other activities: There will be films and multimedia shows, live music and food. There also will be a sale of rental gear, including brands such as Mountain Hardwear, First Ascent, Black Diamond, Grivel, Julbo, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Asolo, Marmot and Petzl.
Cost: Free.
more Information: Go to rainierfestival.com.
Note: There is a detour on state Route 7 that takes drivers through Eatonville to get around a landslide near LaGrande.
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