Last month, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) joined forces with partners and volunteers to host the first annual Outdoor Adventure Expo at Cherry Creek State Park. The goal of the Expo was to provide a high-quality event that connects the people of Colorado with meaningful outdoor experiences. Programs and events such as the Outdoor Adventure Expo are how CPW manifests the agency’s core belief of preserving Colorado’s outdoor way of life.
The Expo gave the curious an opportunity to try a new outdoor activity in a safe and supportive environment while under the guidance of CPW staff and additional recreation experts. More than sixty exhibitors participated in the event, offering attendees a plethora of activities including shooting sports, rock climbing, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking and more.
Despite challenging weather conditions including temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s with intermittent rain, the Outdoor Adventure Expo drew an estimated 2,200 people to the event. CPW kicked off the event with a school field trip on Friday, where over 180 middle school students experienced the Expo without competing with weekend crowds. On Saturday evening, CPW hosted a camping experience for families new to the outdoors. These families braved the inclement weather conditions and learned the basics of camping under the tutelage of the agency’s experienced staff.
Rooted in the idea that resources are best protected by individuals that understand and cherish its value, the Expo was designed to engage people of all ages in the wonders of the outdoors and create generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
“We are all passionate about the outdoors and feel enriched by experiences we had as youngsters with our friends and families,” said Jen Anderson, CPW Education, Partnerships and Volunteer Manager. “We feel it’s our mission to share these opportunities with our citizens and help them create healthy bodies, lasting memories and an appreciation for the natural resources legacy we hope to hand down to future generations.”
Our Title and Platinum sponsors for this year’s Expo were Shikar Safari International and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). Shikar Safari International supports educational projects relative to wildlife management, hunting, and shooting. GOCO invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers and open spaces. GOCO’s Generation Wild campaign seeks to reconnect an entire generation with the great outdoors.
An event like this would not be possible without the tireless help of our amazing volunteers who provided over 2,100 hours of event support and the support of our partners and sponsors. Thanks to the volunteers, partners, and our 2017 Outdoor Adventure Expo Sponsors!
Title Sponsor – Shikar Safari Club
Platinum Sponsor – Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
Silver Sponsors – Colorado Lottery, Colorado Tourism Office, Colorado Parks Foundation and Waste Management.
Contributing Sponsors – Bass Pro Shops, R&L Airgun Supply, Ford
In-Kind Sponsors – Eldorado Springs Water, H2O Exhibits/Blue Water Promotions, Civil Air Patrol, Wagner Equipment, Home Depot, Avid4 Adventure and Avis/Budget.
Written and edited by Doug Skinner. Skinner is an editor for Colorado Outdoors Online and a media specialist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
