Saturday, March 1, the Schultz family will be hosting the Southern SloperFest Bouldering Competition and Music Festival charity event at Horse Pens 40, in Steele, Alabama – benefiting the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, Chandler Mountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue, and Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital. 

Before you run off to dig out your chalk bag from beneath a mound of dirty clothes (excitement mounting)…check out these dirty details for a weekend that offers something for everyone, from the 4-year-old girl to the hardened dirtbag: 

The Competition begins Saturday at 9:30 am. You can register onsite (Friday from 5-10 p.m. or Saturday beginning at 7:30 a.m.; payment by cash or check only) or online HERE; online registration closes two days before the event).

There are eight categories of competition: beginner, intermediate, advanced, open, iron man, kids 9-13, and kids 8 and under. The event will also feature a special World Master Class, added to determine who will be the “Master of Stone 2008”. Medical personnel will be standing by for those brave enough to take on the Masters. 

All competitors and spectators can enter the raffle to win sweet swag and prizes. Cash prizes will be dished out to competitors at the awards ceremony (before the partying begins). Saturday afternoon, accompanying the music, vendors will offer shoe demos and flaunt their latest gear. 

Whether competing or not, Horse Pens 40 routes will be open to all ticket holders; climb away from Friday morning through Sunday, when the sun fades and festivities end. For more information, visit Horse Pens 40’s website at horsepens40.tripod.com. 

The following companies are sponsoring the SloperFest events: Mountain High Outfitters, Mammut, Chaco, Julbo, Sickle, The North Face, So iLL, LaSportiva, Black Diamond Equipment, Evolv, Sterling Ropes, Sweetwater Brewery, Metolius Climbing, Kavu, Curves, and Mad Rock. Artwork by Brad Cantrell.

What: Southern SloperFest Bouldering Competition and Music Festival charity event

Where: Horse Pens 40, Steele, Alabama

When: Saturday March 1, 9:30 am

Who: Anyone who enjoys good music, food, and/or kick-ass bouldering

Ticket Prices: Spectators $20 (includes Saturday and Sunday, with camping Saturday night; camp Friday night for an additional $5); Competitors $45 (includes camping Friday and Saturday nights); Little Kids Division $25 (ages 8 and under)

More info: Check out horsepens40.tripod.com