‘Big Nasty’ ready for another big run
By Larry Hurrle
Argus Observer
Thursday, August 27, 2009 10:48 AM PDT
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| One of Payette County’s premier events will be back on tap in September when the annual ‘Big Nasty Hillclimb’ kicks off. The event is slated for Sept. 18 through Sept. 20 on Big Willow Road. |
NEW PLYMOUTH — The Big Nasty Hillclimb returns for its sixth consecutive year and seventh year overall Sept. 18 through Sept. 20 on Big Willow Road, just off Idaho Highway 55 near New Plymouth.
Ron Dillon, event coordinator of the Big Nasty Hillclimb, met with Payette County Commissioners Monday to solidify final preparations for the event.
“I think we’re going to have a record turnout this year,” Dillon said. “I think the crummy economy is going to help us. We’re a cheap date.”
This year, Dillon said, Pathfinder Helicopters will again return from Utah to offer helicopter rides at a reasonable price.
As well, he said, Hells Canyon Adventures will be present to offer boat rides on their 24-foot, 475-horsepower Diamondback Airboat. Rides will last 10 minutes and consist of a three-mile venture on the waterway that runs near the Big Nasty event.
Jagermeister chose the Big Nasty as the only Idaho event in 2009 to feature its stage.
Three bands will perform on the stage both Friday and Saturday nights, including Dirty Rooster Lollipop, Abrupt Edge, Aces & Eights, Half the World and 57 Heavy.
Mike Metzger, the “Godfather of Freestyle,” will also make an appearance at the Big Nasty this year, along with Chinese X-Games medalists Justin Homan and Keith Sayers.
The title sponsor for this year’s event is Project Filter, an Idaho-based organization that helps people kick the tobacco habit.
Dillon said crews have been working hard behind the scenes to increase security at the Big Nasty, which will include checking to make sure people have wrist bands that will determine whether they have paid for one, two or three days at the event. Last year, Dillon said, there was some trouble with people purchasing one-day passes and staying for all three days. This year, he said, extra precautions will be made to make sure that does not happen.
“We have had no serious incidents out there in the past,” Dillon told commissioners.
Dillon said a curfew will be imposed from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.
As well, Dillon said more portable toilets will be added to the rear of the camping area. The Big Nasty brought in $69,000 in gate proceeds last year and $13,000 in camping revenue. This year, Dillon said, he is expecting even more.
For the first time, the event will offer one-, two- and three-day passes. Advance ticket prices are $12 per person for one day, $22 per person for two days or $30 per person for all three days. Special pricing will be made for military personnel seniors and children 12 and younger. Advance tickets are currently on sale at Les Schwab Tires in Ontario.
Nampa Mayor Tom Dale will also attend the event this year and will be in the hill climbing competition. Dale is scheduled to compete in a grudge match, of sorts, against KBCI chief meteorologist Ryan Carrington.
Dillon said all the information for the event is listed on the event’s Web site, at www.bignastyhillclimb.com. He said a warning has also been issued for dog owners about Payette County’s ordinance restricting certain breeds of dogs and vicious dogs.
“It’s not just pit bulls, it all pit bull crosses, too,” Payette County Commissioner Rudy Endrikat said.
“If they have a vicious dog, don’t bring it,” Payette County Sheriff Chad Huff said.
“We want to add whistled and bells every year,” Dillon said. “In the future, we would like to install a zip line.”
In order to do that, Dillon said, the state of Idaho requires the zip line be run by a person or company with an outfitters license. Hells Canyon Adventures, he said, carries such a license and could be the means of a zip line in future events.
