First-Time Event Features Wide Variety Of Activities
Residents and visitors will have a new way to experience the outdoors this summer as the inaugural Rockbridge Outdoors Fest comes to Glen Maury Park this Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Organized by Rockbridge Outdoors and hosted by the city of Buena Vista, the festival will celebrate the region’s strong outdoor recreation assets while offering a full day of activities for all ages.
The event will feature a variety of hands-on outdoor experiences, with several activities taking place at the same time at different locations within the park.
The schedule includes the following activities: 10 a.m. – Water safety and yoga 10:30 a.m. – Brazilian jiu jitsu and fishing 11 a.m. – TRX fitness, yoga and fishing 11:30 a.m. – camping/set up, archery and trail run Noon – Into to camping/backpacking, slackline, Boxerwood water testing 12:30 p.m. – saddle hunting, skateboarding, story walk 1 p.m. – Duck race 1:30 p.m. – Mountain biking, yoga, CERT 2 p.m. – Cooking outdoors, kayak/paddling/ Brazilian jiu jitsu 2:30 p.m. – Hiking, outdoor survival, plein air painting 3 p.m. – Bike rodeo, saddle hunting, knot tying 3:30 p.m. – Story walk, bike rodeo, pickleball 4 p.m. – Water filtration/sterilization, water safety 4:30 p.m. – Firearm safety, kayak/paddling Each is led by experienced instructors. In addition to scheduled demonstrations, attendees can enjoy activities throughout the entire day, connect with local outdoor organizations and businesses, and learn more about recreational opportunities throughout the Rockbridge area.
Main Street Buena Vista will host a Rubber Ducky Race on the Maury during the festival, which will benefit downtown revitalization and feed participants with fun. Duck entries can be purchased in advance at Walkabout Outfitter, Straws in BV or at mainstreetbuenavistava.org.
A range of local vendors and food trucks will be on site, offering food, drinks, beer, goods, and services that complement the event’s outdoor theme. Music and announcements will be provided throughout the day by 3WZ, which will broadcast live from the festival.
Organizers say the goal of Rockbridge Outdoors Fest is to bring the community together while highlighting the natural assets and outdoor opportunities that contribute to the region’s quality of life.
“This event is really about showcasing what makes the Rockbridge area special,” organizers said. “We want people to come out, try something new, and connect with the organizations and businesses that make outdoor recreation accessible here.”
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, a map and full list of activities, visit rockbridgeoutdoorsfest.com. Information was also featured in the C.R.E.W. Playbook that was included with last week’s issue of The News-Gazette.
