FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 12, 2019
For more information contact:
Todd Elsworth, Recreation Northwest
360.739.8458
Media Assets
Recreation Northwest EXPO photos
Recreation Northwest EXPO video
2020 Recreation Northwest EXPO to expand outdoors to Marine Park and Evil Bikes in Fairhaven, WA.
BELLINGHAM, WA (September 12, 2019) – Held annually in Bellingham, WA the Recreation Northwest EXPO is moving from February to May and expanding the offerings beyond the Bellingham Cruise Terminal with the addition of multiple outdoor locations in the surrounding Fairhaven district. “We are blowing the Recreation Northwest EXPO up this year,” boasts Todd Elsworth, Executive Director.
“We are pushing the date from our usual wintery February to Saturday, May 2nd, 2020. We are expanding our footprint of operations to 3 additional locations surrounding the Bellingham Cruise Terminal’s Main EXPO Hall. The EXPO will also now incorporate the Community Boating Center and Marine Park for Paddling and Camping Demos & Clinics and a lineup of Camper Vans & Recreation Vehicles in the park. Bicycle demos, shuttles and entertainment will be staged at the new Evil Bikes HQ at 6th Street and Harris Ave. in Fairhaven.”
The EXPO has SOLD OUT in the past and has had exhibitor waiting lists. Activating these additional outdoor locations enables the accommodation of more exhibitors, expanding their offerings to get people to try out gear and new experiences.
Recreation Northwest EXPO is a chance for locals & tourists alike to meet face to face and talk with Gear & Equipment Manufacturers, Retailers, Tour Guides, Coaches & Outfitters, Health & Fitness, Stewardship & Education groups, Events and Races, Public Lands officials and Recreation Media.
Recreation Northwest anticipates and increase from 1,500 attendees in the past, up to 2,500, conservatively. People will explore the variety of outdoor recreation opportunities to find new ways to get outside and play, inspiring many to return for extended visits in our regions. The EXPO is an opportunity for visitors to come get samples from a variety of outdoor recreation professionals to garner a taste of what they would like to try outdoors in the year ahead.
The EXPO is FREE to the public as a means to fulfill the organization’s mission, “promoting outdoor recreation and bringing people together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play.”
“The expansion of our EXPO footprint to encompass and activate the surrounding area will breathe life into the lower area of Fairhaven with the integration of the Community Boating Center, Marine Park, Evil Bikes, the surrounding greenspace, trails and water access for the public. Moving the date into spring will allow us to get outside and give people the opportunity to test out gear, see equipment and experiences in action,” iterates Elsworth “We have been sold out, stuck inside, and bursting at the seams to show off more of what our outdoor recreation landscape in Washington State has to offer. This is our chance!”
THE VISION:
Imagine walking down Harris Avenue from Fairhaven and your first impression is a colorful display at 6th and Harris, with booths representing local bike shops and guides, with demo fleets from the small local and major brands who carry mountain bikes, road bikes, e-bikes (lots of these) for people to try out- right there! You can grab a test ride and hop on the pump track or single track loop at Evil Bikes’ global headquarters. Then grab a mountain bike and head out on the Padden Gorge trail to Fairhaven Park. Plan ahead and schedule a van shuttle to some of the more challenging trails on Galbraith or in the Chuckanuts. Save the best for last and try out the expanding sector of electric bicycles. Don’t knock it until you try it! They are just plain fun.
While all that’s going on, there will be entertainment, food and refreshments onsite to keep you moving. The entertainment will include pro riders showing off their skills in the Fun Zone and a Bike Rodeo for kids. All FREE. That’s just the beginning.
Take a 5 minute walk and get out of the sun for a spell at Bellingham Cruise Terminal EXPO Hall, where you’ll talk with the experts in Gear & Equipment, Retailers, Tour Guides, Coaches & Outfitters, Health & Fitness, Stewardship & Education groups, Events and Races, Public Lands officials and Recreation Media. Take your pick from 75 exhibitors inside the EXPO Hall and stop to eat at Streat Food inside and wash down with a cold beer while you talk to more exhibitors and run into friends along the way. As you exit the EXPO Hall parking lot, you’ll also have a row of Food Trucks to choose from to fuel the fire and get ready to head to the beach.
After you cross Harris Avenue and stroll down the entryway to Marine Park. The driveway will be lined with Conversion Vans, Overlanders, and other Recreational Vehicles so you can see what these crazy kids (and retirees) are driving around and “weekending” or living out of for that matter! You’ll be able to go inside and get a sense of what #VanLife is all about.
You’ll sense the buzz at the end of the road. Walking down the sidewalk, you’ll see the semblance of a campground and familiar outdoor brands set up in the grassy area. Try out trendy hammocks, tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs and enjoy clinics on backcountry cooking, gear repair and other related activities. Then head down to the beach!
On the beach you will have an assortment of craft to choose from. Eddyline, made here in Skagit County will have their demo fleet available for YOU! Other exhibitors will have Stand Up Paddle boards (SUPs), sit on top kayaks and canoes, rowing shells and other surprises for you to check out. With safety first, there will also be specialty equipment to take for a test spin. Hanging out at Marine Park, you’ll also have the opportunity to check out on-water demonstrations and clinics, led by Moondance Kayak certified staff and other groups/outfitters.
Recreation Northwest EXPO
www.RecreationNWEXPO.com
Bellingham, WA
Saturday, May 2nd, 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
- 2020 Recreation Northwest EXPO moving from February to May
- EXPO expanding footprint into additional locations:Marine Park, Community Boating Center and Evil Bikes added to locations
- Free to the Public
- Bike Demos, Clinics, Kids Zone, Shuttles and Entertainment at Evil Bikes HQ
- Paddle & Camping Demos, Clinics and Instruction at Marine Park
QUOTES
Todd Elsworth, Executive Director
“We are blowing the Recreation Northwest EXPO up this year”
“We are pushing the date from our usual wintery February to Saturday, May 2nd, 2020. We are expanding our footprint of operations to 3 additional locations surrounding the Bellingham Cruise Terminal’s Main EXPO Hall. The EXPO will also now incorporate the Community Boating Center and Marine Park for Paddling and Camping Demos & Clinics and a lineup of Camper Vans & Recreation Vehicles in the park. Bicycle demos, shuttles and entertainment will be staged at the new Evil Bikes HQ at 6th Street and Harris Ave. in Fairhaven.”
“The expansion of our EXPO footprint to encompass and activate the surrounding area will breathe life into the lower area of Fairhaven with the integration of the Community Boating Center, Marine Park, Evil Bikes, the surrounding greenspace, trails and water access for the public. Moving the date into spring will allow us to get outside and give people the opportunity to test out gear, see equipment and experiences in action”
“We have been sold out, stuck inside, and bursting at the seams to show off more of what our outdoor recreation landscape has to offer. This is our chance!”
About Recreation Northwest
Recreation Northwest is a Bellingham, Washington–based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation and bringing people together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play. Newly launched, The Washington Outdoor Business Alliance, exists to connect, protect and grow the outdoor recreation ecosystem in Washington State. We serve as the collective eyes & ears, heart, mind and voice.
For more information, visit RecreationNorthwest.org.
Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
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