Ninja Nation, a popular test of skills started operations at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday as FIBArk organizers pivoted after the carnival pulled up stakes dramatically last Wednesday. The sudden departure removed a popular on-land component of the nation’s oldest whitewater festival after a confrontation with an (apparent) new transplant to Salida objected to elements of the carnival which traditionally sets up on East Sackett Avenue.
According to their website, “Ninja Nation is the leading provider of world-class obstacle course arenas across the country, serving America’s youth and adults with the most exciting facilities for developing skills, strength, and confidence.” A crew from Denver had the course set up in the 100 block of East Sackett Avenue just after the annual FIBArk parade concluded Saturday morning June 17.
FIBArk’s Ninja Nation is a test of motor skills, strength and persistence. It looks easy, but gets progressively harder. Merrell Bergin photo
As parents signed waivers, their kids lined up to give the course a go, clearly modeling the premise of the operators. “…it’s a community of kids, adults, and parents encouraging one another, pushing their limits together, and enjoying the friendships formed through dedication, hard work, and positive energy.”
After the events of Wednesday, positive energy was just the boost that FIBArk needed.
Ark Valley Voice caught up with FIBArk President, Lindsay Sutton-Stephens who was ensuring that the footprint of the course and its signup tent fit precisely in the allotted parking and street space on East Sackett Ave.
Sutton-Stephens confirmed that FIBArk had pre-sold $25,000 in carnival tickets before the cancellation and that the sales benefit the FIBArk youth paddling programs. Describing it as “an impossible situation”, the emotional letdown and financial impact were severe. In hindsight and putting a new perspective on it, “This is about the children, it’s not about our egos,” she added.
A Spiderman/Ninja warrior reaches for the top of the Ninja Nation obstacle course at FIBArk 2023. Merrell Bergin photo
Pivoting rapidly, the FIBArk team engaged a Ninja Nation “pop-up” obstacle course. “The City of Salida stepped up to help us, we have a private donor who is stepping up to help and FIBArk is also backing a lot of this,” Sutton-Stephens said.
“We were literally loading this (Ninja Nation) in at 1:30 in the morning today. We just want this to be wonderful for everyone in our 75th year.”
Kids now can have wristbands and run the course as well as the Zipline in Riverside Park, all day long.
Judging by the reaction of the “early adopters”, Ninja Nation will continue to draw the young and athletic. As the clouds lifted Saturday afternoon, it dried out the challenging slick run up a nearly vertical ramp at the course finale. Clearly, the advantage goes to those who are fast on their feet, carry little body weight and ideally, have very long legs.
Almost…but not quite enough to reach the top of the Ninja Nation course at FIBArk 2023. Merrell Bergin photo
Several young boys made a good effort at it, only to slide backward. Finally, a young girl had not only the momentum, but the upper arm strength to grab a handhold and pull herself up to the summit to claim victory. It remains to be seen if teens will fare even better.
FIBArk continued Saturday and Sunday (Father’s Day), with serious competition on the river and fun for all ages all up and down F Street and with music and food in Riverside Park.
Long legs provided an edge for this Ninja Nation competitor at FIBArk 2023. Merrell Bergin photo
Satisfaction is sweet as Ninja Nation competitor does a pull up before stepping to the summit and a fist pump at FIBArk 2023. Merrell Bergin photo
Featured image: Ninja Nation obstacle course set up on East Sackett Ave. on Saturday, June 17 at 2023 FIBArk. Merrell Bergin photo
It was pretty cool that they could get something in quickly and it is a very cool setup, but it is a shame it is not inclusive entertainment for all of the children. Salida has become rather child unfriendly with all of the events and other things going on here in Salida and FIBARK and the carnival used to be the only thing going all year for them to enjoy. I wish it still was the only event!