A Field Guide to The Sandstone Climbers Festival
A climbing trip with friends is one of the highlights of summer. Or winter. These trips stick with you.
Over the weekend of October 19th and 20th 2013, the Minnesota Climbers Association held its Save Sandstone Festival in Robinson Park, in Sandstone MN. The event was to draw attention to the 108 boulder-lined banks of the wild and scenic Kettle River that were up for grabs and available for purchase. Having a history of stewardship in the area the land owners approached the Minnesota Climbers Association first. Through days’ worth of donated time and buckets of effort the Minnesota Climbers Association partnered with the Parks and Trail Council to secure the land and ensure it will remain open for responsible climbing and become an addition to Banning State Park.
The event was such a success, so much fun was had that it has become an annual event. The land is all good. It’s safe. Now it’s just about fun. Climbing, community and fun.
Climbing
Climb as much as you can. There are some fun routs in The Quarry. Get after them
Community
This is a community event. Bring some snacks. Make friends with the people waiting for the route next to you. You are all here for the same reasons. You have at least one thing in common, right? Huge disclaimer: Not everyone will want to be your new bestie. Let it go. It’s okay. You extended the home-made vegan banana bread and they didn’t take it. No worries. Anyways, try. We may not have a huge vertical faces here in the Midwest, we may not have mountains, but we do have a pretty damn fine climbing community. Get with it. If you want. Don’t be a jerk. When you get back from that amazing climbing trip that a new friend invited you on, the friend you met at the Climbers Fest, your head will be spinning with joy and sheer faith in the future of humanity.
Fun
I love fun. There will be a huge table of raffle items. Play the game. You might not win. But you’ll be donating to the future of climbing in the region. There will be pizza. Get some it’s delicious. There will be movies showing on a rock face. Stick around for that, it’s the best. There will be beer. Have some. It will be delicious. Respect it. You’re strong for sure, but beer or whatever can kick your ass. Don’t be a jerk. In short participate in the event. Be a part of it. The Minnesota Climbers Association is doing all of this for you. And bring your hammock. Take time to chill, it’s going to be a busy weekend. Drink water. Eat well. You’re on vacation. Field Guide, so cliché, but you’ve got this.