The three members of the AscenDance Project, dressed in white and with sculpted bodies even Chattanooga's finest yogis would envy, drew oohs and aahs from thousands who came out to watch their climbing-dancing performance Saturday night at Coolidge Park.
The ethereal routines, done to contemporary music, were part of the closing ceremony to RiverRocks, a 10-day festival dedicated to promoting the outdoors and an active lifestyle, said event founder Mike McGauley.
"Overall, we couldn't be happier," McGauley said. "People are excited, they're out having fun and there are a lot of families here, and that's important to us."
Organizers say more than 25,000 people came to the festival, with an estimated 8,000 at the closing ceremony, McGauley said.
Events that attracted big crowds and loyal followers included the Circus Juventas on Friday night, the mountain bike stunt performers and the Saturday concert by Fitz and the Tantrums, a musical group on the brink of fame, McGauley said.
"We're lucky to have them here this year," McGauley said. "We might not be able to afford them next year."
McGauley also said the event raised more than $50,000 to be donated to eight land conservation groups in the area.
While some came out after following the AscenDance Project on America's Got Talent and YouTube, others were there to see the Circle of Light show designed especially for the RiverRocks closing.
Jamie Upchurch said Saturday was her family's third day at the festival counting last weekend's outdoor events.
Her daughter Catherine, 9, said the kayak ramp jumping from the opening night of RiverRocks was her favorite event.
Others, like the Eaton family, found the festival for the first time Saturday at Coolidge Park.
Rosa Eaton, her husband, daughter and her 3-year-old grandson, Elijah, watched the AscenDance Project after Elijah practiced his flips and jumps on the grass.
Many participants Saturday gave big thumbs-up to both weekends of outdoor entertainment and nearly perfect fall weather.
"The river really rocks," Rosa Eaton said.
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