The ADK Expo, Part 1

The 13th Annual Adirondack Mountain Club Expo, held yesterday at Mendon Ponds Park, was an overwhelming success.

The Genesee Valley Chapter of the ADK sponsors this event every year to showcase the outdoor recreational opportunities in the Rochester and Western New York area and also to educate the public on fun ways to enjoy the outdoors. There are dozens of workshops on everything from "What to do if you are lost in the woods" to all kinds of backcountry cooking techniques. Canoe and kayak vendors in the Rochester area come with samples of their products and participants can try out a boat on the water, with no obligation. There is live entertainment.

This year we had a bear! Actually we had several "bears"! This was something that I really pushed for as Co-chair. Most people were in favor of the idea. A few had reservations. . . what if it scares children? Are we teaching kids that bears are friendly and it's okay to give them a hug???

Folks, believe me when I tell you our bear was the most photographed and the most hugged bear in all of New York yesterday! Even adults wanted their picture taken with the bear.

I'd like to focus for a moment on the little things about yesterday's Expo that really touched my heart. First, try to understand where I'm coming from. You work hard since early Fall last year planning, organizing, and yes, sometimes arguing with committee members over this or that. You make lists, you double check your plans. Will everyone do or bring what they said they will? In all our planning, have we overlooked something? It goes on and on.

Then the day of Expo arrives. The Fairport Girl Scouts that I recruited to participate arrive early for set up. There is excitement on their faces.

Mid-day the humidity is climbing and I'm starting to get tired. I walk through the crowds and am energized by the look of pleasure and excitement that I see on so many faces from those visiting Expo. People down by the beach area are paddling a kayak for the first time ever.

In my workshop on camp dutch oven cooking, a crowd of people circle the table where my dutch ovens and gear are sitting. I see the look of surprise on their faces as I tell them what they can do out in the woods with a dutch oven and how easy it is.

So many people come up to our Information table wanting to know how they can become a part of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

These are just a few examples of why the Expo is special to me. In later posts, I'll share more pictures and details.