Recap: BACC 2019 Community Block Party

Posted on by webbacc

It may have been a smokey weekend in the Bay Area, but that didn’t stop us from having a great time at the second annual Community Block Party at Sports Basement Berkeley on October 27, 2019! Originally planned to be held in the parking lot, when outdoor conditions became unfavorable, Sports Basement graciously welcomed us inside where we were joined by eighteen community climbing businesses and organizations.

Attendees were able to enjoy a number of fun and educational activities, ranging from the oven mitt figure-8 knot challenge to learning from BAMRU Search and Rescue how to properly tape sprained ankles – an invaluable skill that can keep climbers from needing to rely on the pros! On top of that, there was delicious food from Grilled Cheez Guy, raffle prizes, and even an appearance from Crag the Dragon, the new BACC mascot, escorted by dragon-keeper Allan to promote the new coloring book and stickers.

This party was all about our local climbing community, as BACC President Maura LaRiviere noted: “Our mission is to serve and represent all Bay Area climbers. Events like this help us to build community and to share resources and connections with each other. We’re excited to see several companies and organizations return after having participated in the first Block Party, and we’re super-psyched to welcome in so many new partners this year!”

Our Sacramento-based sister organization, CRAGS, stopped by to talk about their multi-year improvement project along Highway 50.

Thanks to the companies and organizations who joined us:

  • Arc’teryx
  • BAWT
  • Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit
  • Bridges Rock Gym
  • Brown Ascenders
  • Clif Bar
  • Climber Stewards
  • CRAGS Sacramento
  • Cyclebar
  • Dog Patch SF
  • Girl Ventures
  • Headlands Brewing Co
  • Last Minute Gear
  • New Belgium/Fat Tire
  • Petite Ascension
  • Planet Granite
  • Rim Club
  • Rubber Sole Climbing
  • Sports Basement Outdoors
  • Sunski
  • Topo Designs
  • Touchstone Climbing Gym
  • Vanderwall
  • With The Wild Things

Huge thanks to community ambassadors Morgan Chow and Thue Madsen and to Sports Basement for making the party happen!!! 🎊🎉

And finally, thanks to everyone who came out to have fun despite the fires, power outages, freeway closures, and general craziness that was happening! We can’t wait to see you at the next Bay Area Climbers Community Block Party!