For Immediate Release | October 13, 2016
Contact:  Danita Dempsey, Festivals & Special Events Director
970-748-4032 | ddempsey@avon.org

Man of the Cliff Returns for 3rd Year in Avon

The 8^th Annual Event Supporting First Descents

Avon, CO - This weekend, men and women throughout the state will meet for a competition like no other in Avon, to celebrate fall in a uniquely Colorado sort of way.  Nestled next to picturesque Nottingham Lake, in the heart of the Vail Valley, you may notice an abundance of flannel shirts and beards. Both are welcome signs that it is time for the annual Man of the Cliff competition to commence.

Now in its eighth year, Man of the Cliff is returning to Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon on October 15^th and 16^th.   This year, the event boasts a wonderful lineup of libations including beer from Bonfire Brewing, bourbon and rye from Bulleit Bourbon, and food from local eateries such as Nicky’s Quickie and Batter Cupcakes. A Western-themed bounce house and bull riding area for children (or adults), coupled with lawn games and laidback seating scattered about the venue, will echo the down home feeling that people have grown to love about Man of the Cliff.

The organizers, a husband and wife team, describe the event as an amateur lumberjack competition that is made for the “weekend lumberjack” in us all.  Many competitors work nine-to-five office jobs and look forward to the one weekend a year when they can break out their flannels and Carhartt pants and forgo the razor, all in support of an amazing charity.

Events like speed chopping, spear throwing, axe throwing, keg tossing, caber tossing and sledge-hammer throwing may sound daunting, at least to a first-timer, but they have been modified to allow men and women of all sizes and abilities to compete and focus on finesse rather than strength. About thirty percent of the competitors each year are women, and of those female competitors, a handful will place in the top 20 overall, besting male counterparts that are literally twice or nearly triple their size.

If the scheduled events and delicious local fare and spirits aren’t enough, consider that 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to local non-profit First Descents, an organization that provides outdoor adventure therapy trips to young adults with cancer. Over the past seven years, the event has generated over $60,000 in donations, with the intention of increasing each year’s donation as the event continues to grow.

Those loyal to Man of the Cliff can expect more of the same witty commentary, relaxed atmosphere and fun-loving crowd as years past.  First-timers will love how addictive and therapeutic axe throwing feels.  All who attend can expect a uniquely Colorado weekend of beer, brawn and laughter set amongst the breath-taking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

For more information, please visit www.manofthecliff.com.

About Man of the Cliff
Man of the Cliff is an annual, festival and competition that originated in Red Cliff, CO and has since relocated to Avon and features outdoor activities that are modified to fit all strengths and abilities. All proceeds of the event go to non-profit, First Descents. For more information on the 2016 event please visit www.manofthecliff.com.

About First Descents
First Descents is a non-profit organization offering young adults with cancer a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others doing the same. For more information on First Descents programming, or how to get involved, head to www.firstdescents.org.

Media Contact:  Amanda Williams
970-343-2005 | info@manofthecliff.com
 

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