Joy Takes the Heights at Annunciation Heights’ Fiat Fest

The seventh annual fundraiser for the Archdiocese of Denver camp’s missionary program brought together families, missionaries and supporters for a day of races, laughter and joyful encounter in the Rocky Mountains.

Runners make their way through the sliding obstacle of the adventure race during Fiat Fest. (Photo courtesy of Annunciation Heights)

To the Heights… of silliness? At Annunciation Heights, the Archdiocese of Denver’s camp, that might just be part of the mission.

Hundreds of families and individuals headed to the Rocky Mountain camp for a festive Fiat Fest, the seventh annual fundraiser supporting the Altum Institute, Annunciation Heights’ missionary formation program.

While Fiat Fest is always a blast, staff and participants described this year’s celebration as particularly whimsical — with one family driving all the way from Chicago just to join in the day’s fun.

“It was an exceptionally fun day, even by Annunciation Heights’ standards!” said Hank Buckingham, camp administrator and director of special projects. “The atmosphere was more festive than in years past. We tried to create a carnival-like environment that lent itself to silliness and joy. We were able to incorporate some of our property improvements into the race course, and that resulted in an even more fun experience.”

“It felt like a family reunion combined with a carnival combined with a day of summer camp combined with a concert,” added Kat Hurd, the camp’s hospitality coordinator and a missionary alumna. “It’s so great to see more and more people entering into the silly, infectious energy of an Annunciation Heights celebration.”

A father leads his son through the fun run during Fiat Fest.

A participant prepares to shoot an arrow during one of the Fiat Fest obstacles.

Luke Hlavin, the camp's director of operations, gets "dunked" during Fiat Fest.

A father assists his son through an obstacle during Fiat Fest.

Fiat Fest was all smiles for attendees, who loved the silly, fun, community-centric day.

Hundreds of families and individuals slid into the mission at Annunciation Heights for Fiat Fest.

The "exceptionally fun day" featured an adventure race with obstacles and a festival.

Father Jacob Machado, the camp's chaplain, couldn't help but run the adventure race himself.

Hundreds came together in silliness, faith and fun during the annual Fiat Fest.

Following the race was a festival, complete with good food and great music.

With face painting, a hot wings challenge and a dunk bucket, this year's Fiat Fest was lots of fun.

Executive Director Nathan Glassman was sure to run the race with his family.

Father Machado celebrates as he crosses the finish line following the adventure race.

(Photos courtesy of Annunciation Heights)

The annual event featured the camp’s legendary adventure race through the Annunciation Heights property, with both a 5K and a fun run course complete with obstacles. Attendees could also browse a Maker’s Market filled with handmade artisan artwork, jewelry, crafts and other gifts. Following the race, an energetic festival began with barbecue, cotton candy, face painting, games, live music and plenty of fun for the whole family.

“Fiat Fest is my favorite event that I never miss because it gives me the chance to reconnect with nature in the beauty of The Heights and the unique course pushes me past my comfort zone,” said Elaine Sulewski, a parishioner of St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial. “Plus, the food and entertainment get better every year.”

Among this year’s additions were a “dunk bucket,” which allowed attendees to dunk a member of the Annunciation Heights staff, and a hot wings challenge, in which four staff members — including Father Jacob Machado, the camp’s chaplain — ate progressively hotter wings for every $1,000 raised.

“It was a great success and provided lots of laughs for everyone… except the participants,” Buckingham said. “Plus, we raised thousands of dollars for the Altum Institute Missionary program!”

“I don’t think Luke and Nathan are going to let that one happen again!” Hurd added, with a chuckle. “Talk about sacrificial giving.”

For Annunciation Heights, the silliness, laughs and hot wings were not beside the point. In fact, they formed a lighthearted opportunity to invite families, donors and friends into their mission of encounter and to raise needed support for the missionary program that makes that mission possible.

"In all seriousness, it was a beautiful day to celebrate the fruit of the summer and the dedication of the missionaries who have served this place faithfully," said Nathan Glassman, Annunciation Heights' executive director. "It's always hard to say goodbye to the missionary class along with the summer season here at camp, but we did so this year at Fiat Fest, knowing that hundreds of lives were transformed through meaningful encounters with him."

“Fiat Fest is the perfect opportunity to showcase the lively, silly and meaningful environment our summer staff and missionaries have cultivated over the summer!” Hurd explained. “It's so fun to celebrate in such a light-hearted way with our larger community and donors who make our mission possible, and it's a great opportunity to introduce them to our often behind-the-scenes Altum Institute missionaries.”

In short, the silly celebration was the perfect way to facilitate meaningful encounters, both with God and with others.

“Annunciation Heights exists to be a place of encounter, and Fiat Fest is a day when so many people come together to encounter each other and Christ in joyful celebration,” Hurd concluded.