Be Fit McLean Outdoor Expo Features Bluegrass Bands, Gear Swap

Now in its third year, the McLean Community Center’s annual Be Fit McLean Outdoor Adventure Expo has been revamped.

Moved from February to April, the new event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27. The expo also will be held outdoors at a new venue, the Old Firehouse Teen Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road. Admission is $5.

Bluegrass bands Drymill Road and Circa Blue will perform at the event, which provides participants with a chance to explore outdoor recreation options in the Washington metropolitan area. Information and interactive displays related to a variety of outdoor activities will be available.

Another new feature of the event is a gear swap. Participants who sign up can trade or sell their used road bikes, backpacks, tents and other outdoor equipment.

At press time, exhibitors included sponsors Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine and Calleva, as well as REI Fairfax, Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, National Park Service, Go Ape!Quantico Orienting Club, Traveling Players Ensemble,Sportrock, Maui Jim, Wilderness Adventures at Eagle Landing, National Outdoor Leadership School and Fit Pro Massage.

Back for the third year, the Dutch Oven Cook-Off will have larger prizes than in previous years. Teams will cook outside over open flames to compete for group trips with local outfitters. Cooking will begin at 10 a.m.; judging will take place at 1 p.m. The Brat King will provide food service for the event, offering brats, crepes and other treats for sale.

For more information, contact MCC Youth/Family Programs Director Ryan Brookes at 703-448-8336, ryan.brookes@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visit the website at http://bit.ly/Z6nNve.