The third annual celebration of trails in Fernie took place from July 2 to 3. Roll and Sole Trailfest chair and committee member Terry Nelson, who is also the president of the Fernie Trails Alliance (FTA) spoke with The Free Press about the record breaking weekends events.
“This year we had many return participants, as well as many newly introduced families. The participation of both spectators and competitors increased significantly. This can be a possible result of this years favourable weather - not to rainy or too hot - compared to previous years,” he said. “We would also like to think that the general awareness and potentially better promotion of the Roll and Sole can be attributed to this year’s success.”
According to Nelson, in addition to their highest spectator and participant year, feedback has been great.
“The audiences responded very well, with lots of compliments, and anecdotal comments about how much fun the ‘crazy fun’ events were to watch, and how much fun their children had, and or in the case of the adults, they were thrilled to win cash prizes for their efforts,” he said.
While the “crazy fun” events were well received, Nelson believes that the guided adventures offered during the Roll and Sole festival were the highlight for positive feedback.
“I specifically like the responses from people that took in our guided hikes and bike rides that were offered each morning. They were very appreciative of the opportunity to have a group of local volunteers show them around some of our premier trails,” he said. “The smiles, emotions, and sometimes tears of the children are great indicators of the strength of spirit building, and overall youth development and awareness of group dynamics through fun activities.”
The Roll and Sole is intended to provide opportunities for all ages to participate in trail related events that do not require any high level of physical or technical ability.
Although some of the performances put on by some of the skilled athletes, doing Bunny Hops, Wheelies, and Obstacle Skills must be commended,” Nelson continued.
“With this years introduction of the “Strider” run bike, and Dog Show, it shows that adapting to our demographic environment further enhances our events success. Special thanks needs to go out to all of the volunteers, and business community who contributed to the fun weekend.”