University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Poster Gallery
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Creation Date
2026
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Raglena Salmans
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Abstract
Rocktoberfest is an annual rock climbing festival held in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. The festival began in 2001 and had over 2,000 participants in 2025. Regional festivals of this kind have previously proven a valuable source of economic activity in Kentucky and more broadly, Central Appalachia. In 2025, Rocktoberfest participant expenditures totaled $460K, supporting $116K in labor income for Red River Gorge region (which here includes Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe Counties) and Commonwealth residents. Results indicate nearly all participants elected to stay overnight in the region, spending $144 on food, retail, gas, and services and $28-$244 on lodging in the Red River Gorge Region during their visit.
