When: October 2nd and 3rd
Where: Eastwood MetroParks, 1385 Harshman Road, Dayton, Ohio 45431
Why: Because “Outdoor Recreation” is the future of Dayton and its sexy! Yes, the Outdoor Evangelist said it. Many communities across the country are trying to create what we already have right here in our back yard, amazing access to quality recreation opportunities within 15 minutes of anyone who lives in Montgomery. GearFest is simply an event that brings it all together with a misson to grow the community as a whole.
When you think of outdoor towns the cities that come to mind are Asheville, Boulder, Chattanooga, Portland or even Minneapolis. What is it that makes up an outdoor town? Is it rivers? Lots of Trails, on and off road? Is it mountains? Maybe beer and music?
Believe it or not Dayton Ohio has every aspect of a vibrant, exciting, outdoor town, obviously minus the mountains. One key aspect of an outdoor community is the culture. Outdoor Culture is bike racks on cars, outdoor events and festivals and bottom line – people outside participating in active healthy endeavors.
GearFest is THE celebration of outdoor culture in the Midwest. As a matter of fact, it is right here in the Outdoor Adventure Capitol of the Midwest, Dayton Ohio. This dynamic event brings together all aspects of outdoor recreation together to inspire, educate and connect the community to all the amazing clubs, retailers and outdoor opportunities right here in the Miami Valley.
Add camping, live music, competitions, exciting outdoor athlete demos, a youth adventure zone and visitors of all ages can have an enjoyable weekend at GearFest for FREE.
Whether you are a weekend warrior, adventure racer or dreamer wanting to try something new, you will make a connection at GearFest. I have been at this event since the beginning at 2nd St. Market downtown and each year Five Rivers MetroParks brings new, innovative and exciting additions that keeps me coming back. This year they are bringing in a Mountain Board Team from Colorado. The MBS Big Air Demo Team brings the excitement of Mountainboarding out of the mountains and into Dayton, Ohio. Their half hour choreographed stunt show is filled with speed, jumps, humor and a positive message. Catch the riders spinning, flipping and rail sliding throughout this high-energy show. Ya, I said Flipping. A mountain board is basically a snowboard with wheels.
For you music aficionados, WYSO is bringing an excellent line up from all genres. The GearFest music lineup include local and regional bands such as the Skeptical Cats, Ohio Corn Daddys, Jesse Remnant and the Trainwrecks, and BJSR.
One final note, an outdoor festival isn’t complete without fine regional microbrews and it seems there is no sign of fine malty beverages this year. Yes, there was beer at past GearFest events but there hasn’t been in 2 years. I vote for BEER next year. Make it happen! If you Brew it, they will come!
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