Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina (WNC) has scheduled its inaugural Get in Gear Fest for March in Asheville, NC.
The free event will take place from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 21 at RiverLink Park in Asheville and will include product demos, gear clinics, beer from local breweries, raffles, races and more. A portion of the proceeds from the beer sales will also directly support the work of RiverLink, a local non-profit that works to revitalize the French Broad River.
The Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC is a spirited network of gear manufacturers who make products for all types of outdoor endeavors such as: Climbing, caving, camping, biking, hiking, running and more. The Get in Gear Fest offers locals a chance to meet and learn more from those who design and create the products.
Participants are encouraged to get hands-on with the gear at demonstrations and clinics hosted by the members of the organization. According to the Western North Carolina Outdoor Industry Manufacturing Census conducted by AdvantageWest and the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, the area has 26 gear manufacturers providing 470 jobs and over $6 million in local sourcing. Due to the abundant resources and talent pool in this region, the outdoor industry sector continues to grow rapidly with new gear manufacturers continually joining the Outdoor Gear Builders network.
“The Blue Ridge Mountains are a mecca for hikers, bikers and paddlers alike, but not everyone realizes just how much of the adventure gear they’re using is manufactured right in Western North Carolina,” says Kyle Mundt, Director of Marketing and New Product Development for SylvanSport and one of the founders of the Outdoor Gear Builders. “This event is a chance for these great companies to show what’s new for 2015.”
Those with a competitive spirit should come prepared to contend in a game of Tug-of-War sponsored by Misty Mountain, ride the mobile pump track and try their hand at paddling in a race down the French Broad River and more. The Get in Gear Fest will have beer from seven local breweries and will host an array of food trucks to satisfy hungry guests.
The 2015 Get in Gear Fest is made possible by the support of these local companies: Prestige Subaru, Highland Brewing Company, Wicked Weed Brewing, Brevard Brewing Company, Oskar Blues Brewery, Catawba Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, JB Media Group, Darby Communications, 98.1 The River, 105.9 The Mountain and more.
The event is also supported by AdvantageWest, the regional economic development partnership, through funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). AdvantageWest helped spearhead the creation of the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC as part of the EDA-funded WNC AgriVentures grant.
The Get in Gear Fest will take place rain or shine at RiverLink Park, located at 144 Riverside Drive in Asheville, N.C.
The Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina (OGB) is an organization of Western North Carolina companies collaborating to share talents, encourage ideas and inspire each other. Our member brands are dedicated to creating exceptional outdoor gear with a focus on responsible manufacturing, cutting edge innovation and economic growth in our region. For more information on the Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, please visit http://outdoorgearbuilders.com/
