(Dion Ogust)
The inaugural Hudson Valley Outdoor Adventure Expo, set to take place in and around Waryas Park at the foot of Main Street, between the two bridges in Poughkeepsie on June 2 and 3, will be dedicated to outdoor recreation of every imaginable kind. There will be races and competitions, celebrity appearances and live bands. You’ll also find demonstrations and exhibition booths at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum pavilion representing all sorts of health and fitness products and services, destinations and resorts, outdoor clubs, tourism and adventure travel.
This two-day event will feature interactive demonstrations for golf, mountain bike skills, paddle sports and the latest in outdoor gear. Terry Laughlin of Total Immersion Swimming will do a presentation on Saturday. On Sunday, Christopher Pannone will present “Targeting Your Training for Race Day and Recovering for Your Next Performance.” And Hyde Park’s Big Bear Ziplines will be constructing a zipline on-site for attendees to try out.
For those of you who want to get active immediately, the Expo will hold a variety of competitions. For details and registration information, go to www.wildcatepicevents.com/expo to take part in the Two Bridges Swim under the Walkway, a 5K and a 2.5K running race, two Hudson River Masters’ Open Water Swims, the Children’s Fun Run ($5 entry fee to benefit the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum), a Walkway 5K run/walk or the Urban Assault Mountain Bike Race. Plans are also underway for five- and ten-mile kayak races.
Dutchess County Tourism has joined forces with Adventure Junction, Ulster County Tourism and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, along with Total Immersion Swimming, Wildcat Epic Events and the Mid-Hudson Road Runners’ Club to sponsor this weekend for outdoor enthusiasts. Admission is $10 for adults (free with registration into one of the competitive events) and $5 for kids aged 12 to 18 years. Children under 12 get in free, but take note, parents: No unaccompanied children under the age of 18 will be admitted.