IF YOU GOWhat: Outdoor Chattanooga's Outdoor Expo Rock/Creek Gear Swap.When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.Where: Coolidge Park, 150 River St.Admission: Free.Phone: 643-6889.Website: www.outdoorchattanooga.com
Outdoor enthusiasts know that Chattanooga is the place to be. Saturday, some of those pursuits will be showcased at Outdoor Chattanooga's Outdoor Expo Rock/Creek Gear Swap.
The annual event serves two purposes. It educates area residents and visitors about regional outdoor recreational opportunities and programs. And it offers a place to buy or swap outdoor gear that could range from a backpack to a kayak to climbing gear.
Ruth Thompson, Chattanooga Outdoors events and marketing coordinator, said the event offers something for everyone interested in the outdoors.
"This will be our fifth year doing the event," Thompson said. "Its main purpose is to give the public an opportunity to learn about Chattanooga's outdoors, everything from paddling a dragon boat to personal training for a triathlon.
"The part of the event that we are most excited about is the gear swap," she said. "Outdoor people are gear heads. The only thing we love better than playing outdoors is getting new toys. Naturally, we have to get rid of the old stuff to bring in the new. This gives beginners a chance to outfit themselves in a new outdoor pursuit like kayaking or hiking at a lower cost. It's a great situation for everyone."
Among those with booths at this year's event are: The Adventure Guild, Base Camp Tennessee, Bath Fitter of Chattanooga, Blowing Springs Kennel (Roddy Dogs), Camp Juliette Low, Chattanooga Bicycle Club, Chattanooga Nature Center, Chattanooga Track Club, Children's Hospital Dragon Boat Festival, The Crash Pad, Hub Endurance, Lactic Trainer by Sam Silvey, LifeKraze, Lookout Mountain Hangliders, Lupi's Pizza, Mohawk Canoes, Natural Awakenings Magazine, The Orchid Gallery, Patagonia, Privateer Yacht Club, Rapid Learning Whitewater Club, River Rocks, Rock/Creek, SUP Paddleboards, Tennessee Bouldering Authority, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Trail Ministries, Urban Rocks Gym and Velo Vixens.