The 2nd Annual Get in Gear Fest, held Saturday, March 19, will benefit RiverLink, a local nonprofit that works to revitalize the French Broad River.

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 here in WNC.

At Get in Gear Fest, outdoor enthusiasts from across the region can get hands-on with locally designed and manufactured gear as they get ready for the spring season, compete in exciting events and races, and meet the people who design and make the gear they use to get outside and play.

“We want the WNC community to see and try the amazing and innovative products that are being made in their own backyard,” says Kyle Mundt, Director of Marketing and New Product Development for SylvanSport and one of the founders of the Outdoor Gear Builders. “This is a great chance for all these great companies to get together and show our community what’s new for 2016.”

Visitors will be able to see firsthand, the thriving outdoor gear manufacturing industry that is represented by the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, and how the region’s status as an outdoor recreation hotspot and its history of high-quality manufacturing have combined to make a powerful new economic force. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor industry in North Carolina now employs almost 200,000 people and generates $1.3 billion in tax revenues for the state.

In addition to the great equipment, games, and people on hand will be new features and events including a unique, family-friendly Adventure Races, gear raffle, auction, a beer garden with an extensive selection of local craft beers on tap, live music and the Squeezebox National Championships, with proceeds all benefitting local nonprofits.

The Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC are Western North Carolina-based companies collaborating to share talents, encourage new ideas and inspire each other. Their member brands are dedicated to creating exceptional outdoor gear with a focus on responsible manufacturing, cutting edge innovation and economic growth in our region.

The Get in Gear Fest is presented by the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC. Their motto is: “Extraordinary Gear Made Here.”

The free Get in Gear Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at RiverLink Plaza in Asheville. For more information, please visit www.outdoorgearbuilders.com.