31 Mar Vasque Sponsors Continental Divide Trail Coalition
Vasque Footwear has partnered with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition to expand support for the Second Annual Trail Days and Kick Off, an emerging thru-hike festival that will provide educational seminars, keynote speeches and celebratory events from April 15 to 17 in Silver City, NM.
Saturday afternoon, Vasque is excited to present keynote speaker Jean Ella, who will share the groundbreaking story of the Rocky Mountain Women’s Expedition, during which hiking partner Lynn Wisehart and she became the first women to thru-hike the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) in 1978.
Vasque will also have a booth at the Gear Expo on Saturday, where they will have their 2016 boot line on display and will be on-hand to answer questions and play a game of bean bag toss with those up for the challenge. At the booth, attendees can also sign up to demo the spring ’16 Inhaler II collection at the Gear Demo Days at Little Walnut-Gomez Peak Day Use Area on Sunday. Attendees can also win Vasque boots and other gear at giveaways during the CDTC
Happy Hour on Friday evening and at Saturday’s keynote presentation.
Vasque and brand partners recently opened up the 2016 Thru Hike Syndicate to Continental Divide Trail thru-hikers, who will attempt to thru-hike the 3,100-mile trail this summer. As a supporter of the CDT, the longest trail of the Triple Crown of thru-hiking, which also includes the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail, Vasque hopes they can help raise awareness for the rugged trail.
“We are thrilled to support the Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s mission through such a fun and well-organized event like the CDTC Trail Days and Kickoff,” states Joe Peters, Director of Global Marketing for Vasque footwear. “We look forward to connecting with the thru-hikers who are tackling such a technically advanced trail as well as the supportive community of the first gateway city of the CDT, Silver City, NM.”
The CDTC, a unifying local organization for trail communities and hiking groups, is thrilled to continue Trail Days into its second year with a nationally-known title sponsor and widespread acknowledgement in the thru-hiking community.
“CDTC is thrilled to be partnering with Vasque in support of the 2016 CDT Trail Days and Kickoff event in Silver City,” says Teresa Martinez, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Continental Divide Trail Coalition. “With Vasque’s support, we are able to broaden the reach for this year’s Trails Days event and bring many diverse communities and people together and share stories of how the Trail has shaped their lives. It also allows us to showcase how the CDT brings all of us together and helps us build an even stronger voice for the trail.”
Through the weekend, experienced thru-hikers can also participate in seminars on advanced trail techniques, enjoy local breweries and art galleries. Additionally, participants in Saturday’s scavenger hunt will be entered to win a pair of Vasque Kid’s Breeze 2.0 and other kid friendly outdoor gear.