Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina announced its inaugural Get in Gear Fest. This 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 including 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 more than $6 million in local sourcing.
“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.
