The following is a press release from Nantahala Outdoor Center, October 13, 2014.
Enjoy leaf season in the Smoky Mountains at Nantahala Outdoor Center’s annual NOCtoberfest event on October 25, 2014, from Noon to 5:00 p.m. This free, family-favorite celebration offers activities, live music and prizes for all ages to enjoy.
The most anticipated part of the NOCtoberfest celebration is NOC’s Great Pumpkin Pursuit, a free-for-all dash through Nantahala Falls. Over 400 numbered pumpkins are tossed throughout the Nantahala’s grand finale rapid as paddlers frantically dash to collect as many of the bobbing pumpkins as possible. Contestants are welcome to bring their own boats, rent them on site, or stand along the riverbanks with a net. Registration is between Noon and 2:00 at NOC’s Big Wesser BBQ, and prizes are awarded via raffle: the more pumpkins you collect, the better your chances—it’s a great experience on and off the water.
The Great Pumpkin Pursuit has become a popular spectator event—the 75+ paddlers hurtling through the Falls flip, swim, collide and bumble their way down the river. And some spectators are asked to help distribute the pumpkins for the paddlers, tossing them in hard-to-reach places. The exciting event only takes minutes to play out, so spectators should plan on arriving early. The competitors meeting will be at 2pm, so paddlers should be going through the Falls at 2:30pm.
Other event highlights include:
- Pumpkin Decorating—NOC supplies pumpkins, as well as decorating and carving materials. Every child wins a prize after presenting their works of art to the judging panel.
- Costume Contests—Dress to impress the judges! Costume categories are Kids, Couples, Most in Character and Scariest.
- Live Music—Enjoy a bonfire and live music at Big Wesser BBQ + Brew. S’mores included!
- Cornhole Tournament, Egg Race & More.
For the complete event schedule and more information visit http://noc.com/events/noctoberfest.
About Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)–Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation’s largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel abroad with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 22 Olympians including two Olympic Gold Medalists have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation’s Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure.
