Newest AdAmAn Club member, a third-generation inductee, to light fireworks above Pikes Peak
MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – The 108th and newest AdAmAn Club member can trace his family history in Colorado Springs back further than the club's first charter.
McReynolds "Mac" Sommers is the 2025 AdAmAn club inductee. His grandfather joined in 1963, followed by his dad in 1988. Mac's 97-year-old grandmother, Elaine, has supported her AdAmAn family for over 60 years. For the first time, she'll be able to see her grandson off as a full member.
“All of the memories are part of our family. We call it the AdAmAn Family," Elaine said.
The organization is comprised of mountaineers who climb Barr Trail along Pikes Peak each year, beginning on Dec. 30 and reaching the summit on New Year's Eve, to light off a fireworks show for the entire Colorado Springs community.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but the summit of Pikes Peak on New Year's," said Bob Sommers, Mac's dad.
The AdAmAn club has commanded the New Years firework show on top of Pikes Peak since 1922. It has added a single member every year since, with just three exceptions: When two 1930 inductees didn't want to be members, during WWII, and the club's posthumous induction last year.
Its high criteria for membership and strict addition guidelines make for a pretty exclusive club. Every member since 1922, alive or passed, could easily fit in a small high school gymnasium.
"I thought it was normal growing up," Mac said.
Mac grew up giving his dad the AdAmAn sendoff at the base of Barr Trail, and has climbed 10 times as his dad's guest. For the first time, he'll lead the pack as a full member.
"It's been 30 years now since you've had two sommers members on the climb," Mac said. "All the way to the top!"
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