Rescue Fest ’25 is a free, family-friendly community event designed to give hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families a hands-on look at the exciting world of Search and Rescue while
learning essential hiking and safety skills. The event will feature interactive booths, live rescue demonstrations and micro-classes that help teach people what to do before they need rescuing. Visitors of all ages will experience the tools, training, and teamwork that go into saving lives in the outdoors.
Park admission is free for attendees.
Event Highlights:
Interactive Booths and Hands-On Activities:
-10 Essentials for Hiking – Learn the must-have gear that keeps you safe on the trail.
- Survival and Bushcraft Skills – Explore kits, rescue gear, and outdoor survival tools with fun hands-on games.
- Medical and Safety Booths – Featuring Chandler Regional Medical Center, A Dignity Health Member, with demos on treatment for common outdoor injuries and tips for preventing and managing heat-related issues.
- SAR Recruitment Booth – Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of Search and Rescue? Chat with members, ask questions, and explore how you can join.
- Become a Junior Search and Rescue Ranger! Do you have what it takes to be part of an adventurous team? Search and Rescue Rangers are everyday heroes who help people in the outdoors. They find lost hikers, lend a helping hand in emergencies, and keep our parks safe. Please come and get a Junior Ranger Search and Rescue packet and earn your badge!
Micro Classes (all ages) - Short, rotating sessions where participants can try:
- Shelter Building
- Fire Starting (including friction fire demos)
- Signaling and Lost-Proofing
- Water Collection and Purification
- Hiker Self-Reliance Tips
- Map and Compass
Rescue and Technical Demonstrations:
- Technical Rescue (TRT) Demos – The PCSO SAR Technical Rescue Team along with SFMD firefighters, will demonstrate a Vortex apparatus in action to simulate a real technical rescue scenario.
- Mock Rescue Scenario – Watch rescuers respond to a simulated “missing/injured hiker” call, including tracking, medical care, and helicopter evacuation with a wheeled stokes basket. Public participation encouraged!
- K9 Search and Rescue – Meet SAR dogs and see them in action during live tracking scenarios.
Special Features:
- Giveaways and Raffles with hiking kits, gear and prizes donated by vendors.
Purpose of Rescue Fest ’25:
This event is more than just a showcase—it’s about building a safer hiking community. By pulling back the curtain on Search and Rescue operations, visitors will leave better prepared for outdoor adventures and with a deeper appreciation for the volunteers and professionals who keep hikers safe.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Apache Junction, Festivals in Apache Junction.
