Utah Outdoor Adventure Expo June 5, 2009

Celebrate National Trails Day at the Utah Outdoor Adventure Expo-- the Trailhead to Your Next Outdoor Adventure.

Discover Utah's featured travel destinations and others throughout the West. Play in Utah’s Biggest Outdoor Toy Box with hands-on activities throughout the festival. With more than 65 acres of space to play, you’ll want to stay all weekend.

We’ve invited clubs and organizations from all facets of outdoor recreation to share their passion of the outdoors with you. Find activities that will entice you and your family to get outside this summer and experience opportunities in Utah’s Backcountry.

Conservation organizations, hunting and fishing related companies and outdoor activities will be available. Try your aim on a gun simulator or archery lane. Showcase your elk, duck, goose, or turkey calls. Participate in the fly casting competition or learn how to tie a pattern that will entice big cutthroat trout at Strawberry Reservoir.

Backcountry Horsemen, dog and other animal related organizations will host presentations throughout the weekend. Additional opportunities will be provided by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Utah State Parks and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Enjoy a bird walk along the Jordan River Parkway with Bill Fennimore or take a spin on the mountain bike track. See wild horses from BLM Lands or kayak the Jordan River. Fish with radio controlled boats on the youth fishing pond. Compete in the Wild West Barbecue Showdown, Dutch Oven Cookoff, Campfire Cookoffs or race radio controlled cars around their own track.

Learn how to pan for gold or find hidden treasure with a metal detector or GPS receiver. Learn about wilderness survival and build a fire with a bow drill. Visit with outdoor book authors or take a test drive on the OHV and 4X4 Test Tracks. Wildlife art and photography will be featured as well as taxidermy.

In addition, visitors will see the newest trailers, boats, trucks and off highway vehicles. Compare features and save money on new toys at the beginning of summer.

A wide variety of youth activities can be found throughout the expo, providing great educational hands-on experiences to connect them with the outdoors. Visitors can ride hot air balloons, learn about watershed, or fire safety. Watch for your favorite outdoor mascots including Smokey Bear and friends. Enjoy musical entertainment throughout the festival and show off your talent through campfire karaoke.

Reach new heights on a climbing wall or celebrate our Hometown Heroes. See the sun in a new light with specialized solar viewers or stay for a star party and explore the universe into the evening.

Be prepared to get your hands dirty and take home an unforgettable outdoor experience that can take you on a new path for future outdoor adventures.

Admission: $10 for adults and free for youth under age 13. Many volunteer opportunities are also available. See the website links for details at http://www.utahadventureexpo.com

Hours: 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. on Saturday

Official Website: http://www.utahadventureexpo.com