First ever Berea Summerfest kicks off summer activities

May 20—BEREA — Even though the Summer Solstice doesn't take place for another month, the summer season got kicked off in earnest this weekend with the first-ever Berea Summerfest at The Pinnacles.

The event was put on by Get Outside Kentucky and featured a full size pickleball court, axe throwing, a putting green and e-bikes that people were allowed to rent and ride throughout Berea.

Alex Sipple, owner of Get Outside KY said he was grateful to see the response from the community.

"I'm extremely grateful that there are people that want to be apart of something like this," he said.

He spoke about Berea not really having an outdoors community even though the town has several miles of paved cycling trails and The Pinnacles.

Sipple said that being being outside is a great way to connect with people and connect with the world around you along with the health benefits you get.

"It's a great way to have a healthy lifestyle, by getting outside," he said.

With the event being held at The Pinnacles, there were hikers who would go out to hike and then come back after their hike and join in some of the activities whether it was pickleball or some of the other activities offered by the festival.

Sipple intends this to be a yearly thing to kick off the summer season and intends to grow and expand the event next year as this year Peacecraft, Berea College's Forestry Outreach Center and Get Outside KY put this event together in eight weeks.