The Roaring Fork Swarm Youth Lacrosse Club nonprofit has been helping kids throughout the valley fall in love with the ancient Native American sport for 15 years, and founder Joe Lang has now watched the same kids grow from learning how to scoop the ball off the ground to playing four years at a Division I lacrosse programs. 

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit will host its first ever “Swarmfest” from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Spring Creeks Ranch in Carbondale., as they hope to lay the foundation for an annual end-of-spring celebration. 

“We really wanted to establish something that was a fun event that the whole family could enjoy,” Lang said. “Whether your kids are in kindergarten or college graduates, there will be something for everyone on Wednesday night.”

To go along with lacrosse-themed activities like accuracy and fastest shot competitions and relay races, Slow Groovin’ BBQ will supply food and local rock-and-roll band “Tommy The Animal,” is booked for entertainment. 

“One of the traditions in the world of lacrosse is to do the ‘ultimate tailgating party,’ Lang explained. “We’ve been wanting to do something to wrap up the spring season for years. Both as a thank you to the community that is actively engaged with us and folks in the general community to come out and enjoy a nice night.”

Prizes are available for both children and adults, although adults will not be able to participate in the competitions.

Wednesday night will also feature a silent auction, simultaneously offering a way to contribute to the Roaring Fork Swarm, and the chance to win unique prizes. Some of the items available at the silent auction will be guided fly-fishing days at Spring Creeks Ranch through Harcourt 3G Fly Fishing, autographed University of Denver National Championship jerseys, Samsung QLED TV’s, foursomes at RVR and Ironbridge Golf Courses and more. 

“We’re so thankful for everyone who donated something, and we can’t thank Spring Creeks Ranch enough for hosting us,” Lang said. “We’re really excited to finally have a community event.”

Proceeds will further help the nonprofit and high school feeder program supply the incoming generation with club fees, new and improved equipment, stronger collegiate programs and scholarships, coaches stipends and more. 

“The sky is the limit for what we could do,” Lang said. 

Over the past 15 years, the Swarm has quietly turned the Roaring Fork Valley into an area that consistently churns out impressive lacrosse talent across the board. Although the fact that the same kids that Lang helped learn how to hold a lacrosse stick just finished their senior year playing for the Baylor Bears girls lacrosse team makes Lang incredibly proud, that isn’t his favorite part about running the nonprofit. 

“The thing that is so special about the Swarm is that we represent Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood, and beyond,” he said. “We are the feeder program for many different high school teams, and we give chances for the kids to make connections in different communities. The club really was designed to represent our RE-1 school district and the relationships that cross over between the different communities is really fun to watch.”

To find tickets, or to learn more information about the nonprofit, visit their website roaringforklacrosse.org. 

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