By Julie Johansen
Castle Dale City Mayor Danny Van Wagoner was presented “The Climbing Pick” by the directors of the Joe’s Valley Bouldering Festival last week in appreciation of his support and help with the festival for the past four years.
The Joe’s Valley Bouldering Festival board was recently given the pick at the state’s Outdoor Recreation Summit as an Economic Impact Award. They then framed it and made the presentation to Mayor Van Wagoner at October’s Castle Dale City Council meeting.
According to a press release last month regarding the award. the board shared that it was a huge compliment to everyone involved in making the Joe’s Valley Bouldering Festival a success as the finalists included major corporations and other longer-running events across the entire State of Utah.
Organizers and volunteers have spent 1,000s of hours over the past four years because they believe in Emery County, the press release stated.
“Without the faith, support and generosity from the people of Castle Dale and Orangeville, the Joe’s Valley Bouldering Festival wouldn’t be able to bring climbers and locals together in such a fun and unique manner,” said Fest advisory board member and photographer Spenser Tang-Smith.