Rappelling event kicks off RiverRocks festival - Oct. 2

photo It's a long way down - 20 stories, in fact - from the top of the SunTrust Bank building in downtown Chattanooga. Bride-to-be Meredith Lewallen took the plunge last year, just days before her wedding, during the Over the Edge rappelling adventure, the kickoff to RiverRocks. The festival celebrating the great outdoors returns next week.

The endurance events won't start until next weekend, but the opening activity for RiverRocks 2013 still promises an adrenaline rush -- the kind that comes from rappelling 20 stories from the top of Chattanooga's SunTrust Bank building.

Over the Edge, set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, kicks off the 12-day celebration of the region's great outdoors. On opening day, local celebrities and media representatives will strap on the gear and make their way down the side of one of downtown's tallest buildings.

Food trucks, beer vendors and a DJ will be set up nearby at Center Park, 729 Market St., to add to the festive atmosphere.

Over the Edge, a fundraiser for RiverRocks and the local Boy Scouts of America, has been conducted across North America since 2003. Organizers say the activity is for anyone, from those who have never climbed before to experienced rappellers. A team of professionals guides rappellers to ensure the company's perfect safety record remains intact.

Anyone can be an Edger the following day. Brave souls wishing to go Over the Edge will make a gift or commit to raise a minimum of $1,000 (with incentive packages at the $1,500 and $2,000 range). You can also sign up to Toss Your Boss from 20 stories up. To register, go to http://ChattOTE.org.

This year, RiverRocks is rolling out a new format as an Adventures Sports Game event, with some of the world's most elite athletes taking part. Under the new format, the RiverRocks Adventure Games will feature a wide range of competitive outdoor sports, including rock climbing, trail running, kayaking, rowing, cycling and off-road bicycling. Winners of these contests will receive medals made with actual river rocks by Set In Stone.

In addition to the 10 sports games, RiverRocks will feature a number of entertainment events, including the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival on Oct. 4-5 at Ross's Landing. Closing ceremonies will include a preview of The Block, a new climbing facility and retail complex on Broad Street.

Find out more at www.RiverRocksChattanooga.com.

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