Trails, lakes, ski slopes and mountains conjure majestic images of our incredible Pacific Northwest – and of course Whatcom County is home to a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. From hiking and trail running to skiing, snowshoeing and beyond, our local community comes with a vast array of outdoor adventures.
Discover your next quest or find the best state-of-the-art gear and apparel at the upcoming Recreation Northwest EXPO. This free event will be held on Saturday, February 24 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and is a great opportunity to meet directly with gear and apparel manufacturers, retailers, clubs and just about anyone else involved in outdoor recreation. Here you can learn, plan and stock up on supplies for your next outdoor escapade.
“You get a chance to explore what’s available in this corner of the world,” says Recreation Northwest Co-Executive Director Todd Elsworth, “meet retailers and manufacturers face-to-face and learn about all things outdoor recreation.”
The Recreation Northwest EXPO will host some of the best and brightest in the outdoor recreation industry. Speakers will share their own outdoor experiences and discuss topics such as hiking basics, Gore-Tex care and injury prevention. Meanwhile, on-site demos will give you an opportunity to try new equipment and determine which gear will work best for you. This is the ideal place to plan your next outdoor adventure.
Grab a beverage from Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro and a snack from StrEAT Food as you wander through the exhibits. Be sure to snap a picture with Smokey the Bear and Bellingham Bells mascot, Dinger. And keep an eye out for special sales and discounts – you can even win great prizes by entering the raffle online.
New to outdoor recreation? Thinking of taking up a new hobby? The Recreation Northwest EXPO is the perfect place to explore all your options. Here, first-timers can connect with guides and other professionals to learn how to get started. Or join a club so you can discover the great outdoors with newfound friends.
The Recreation Northwest EXPO not only showcases our local outdoor recreation industry, but also illustrates its economic impact on our local community. We all know how fun outdoor recreation is, but Elsworth explains that this vast industry brings big dollars to local communities, in addition to adventure.
Want even more? The Washington Outdoor Recreational Summit will be held at Bellingham Technical College on February 23, the day before the EXPO. The event will open with a welcome address by the Governor’s Policy Advisor on Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development, Jon Snyder. The conference will include several noteworthy speakers including Linda Balfour, Superfeet global marketing director and board chair of the Conservation Alliance. This is a great way to dive even deeper into what is happening in Washington’s outdoor industry while connecting with other professionals.
Recreation Northwest actively collaborates with Washington’s outdoor recreation industry professionals to create a strong, state-wide community. Their goal is to highlight outdoor recreation and its vital importance to our area, health and economy.
What began as a simple place for racing organizations and directors to gather, EXPO has evolved greatly over time and is now a major event.
“We’re so proud to be able to present the Recreation Northwest EXPO as a free event to the community,” says Elsworth. “It’s a place of discovery. Come and talk to the people who do this work – they’re excited about the people who attend. Be active and engaged and you will find something new.”
Registration details for the Washington Outdoor Recreational Summit – as well as Recreation Northwest EXPO events – are now available.
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