Nestled near the stunning backdrop of Estes Park in the Rocky Mountains, Annunciation Heights recently marked a significant milestone with the fifth annual Fiat Fest. This unique Catholic adventure race brought together families, friends and faith-filled adventure seekers, combining the thrill of physical challenges with the joy of community and the beauty of creation.
Hank Buckingham, Camp Administrator and Director of Special Projects, emphasized Fiat Fest’s dual purpose as it celebrated its fifth year.
“It consists of two main components. First, the adventure race that goes around our property, which we try to make fit the needs of everyone. This includes some really fast collegiate runners and families that are pushing double strollers. Some of the obstacles vary from archery shooting to sandbag hoisting to jumping over a 6-foot wall,” Buckingham shared.
He continued, “Fiat Fest is a celebration of the Altum Institute, our missionary program. The idea is to get exposure and raise money for the program while still getting together and having fun in this beautiful creation.”
The Altum Institute missionaries play a crucial role in the event. They run youth camps, facilitate family-centric programming, serve guest groups and lead instruction and curriculum development for JPII Outdoor Labs. Most importantly, they live a life of frequent, daily and constant prayer.
During Fiat Fest, missionaries were visible throughout Annunciation Heights’ property, offering directions and ensuring safety by keeping a moose off the course. Their presence added a layer of warmth and friendliness to the event.
As Nathan Glassman, Executive Director, finished the race, he expressed the joy and energy experienced by attendees. “It’s awesome to see everyone out here enjoying themselves and having fun! There’s a lot of good energy. Praise God!”
Children and adults enjoyed the vibrant array of activities scattered around the grounds. From face painting to swing dancing, participants of all ages experienced the joy of community grounded in faith.
One father, who was attending the event for the first time, said, “I had to push our stroller the whole way, which was an added challenge, but the race was great! I look at the race as a metaphor for life – we’re all trying to stay on the trail and not fall off. And we all have people helping us along the way.”
Buckingham expressed his hopes for attendees to witness the missionaries’ service, which directly reflects their service to the Lord. “The biggest spiritual hope I have for people who come to Fiat Fest is the witness our missionaries can be to serve the Lord, especially in serving each person that comes through camp.”
He continued, “Most importantly, our missionaries serve one another. Which is very joyful but also very difficult.”
We look forward to many more Fiat Fests to come, each one filled with community and adventure.
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Annunciation Heights and its events are funded through the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal. Your support is key for helping this ministry of the archdiocese thrive!
