Outdoor Retailer Summer Market '04 Update — Backpacker slings a dodgeball challenge, plus dead goats, crazy goats and more…

Do you have a Summer Market event you think is worth noting?
If you have a trade show event that’s scheduled, confirmed, and more than just an introduction of a new product (as in, we’ll only promote it if we deem it to be both entertaining and educational), fire an email to the SNEWS® team at orevents@snewsnet.com.

The SNEWS® team has accepted the mission of weeding through all the press release fluffery and mounds of show announcements to bring you only events we believe are really worth the time. To that end, we highly recommend that you mark your Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2004 calendars for the following:

>> We’ve seen you slouching like zombies in the coffee line at the Salt Palace. (Man, it’s like a scene from Dawn of the Dead!) Well, ditch the line and jet over to the Jetboil booth where the company will be demonstrating its new coffee press accessory by serving fresh pressed gourmet organic coffee. It’s free, and available each day of the show, all day. Booth #4107.

>> Think a game of dodgeball is too eighth-grade for a trade show? Well, we triple-dog dare you to throw down with the editors at Backpacker Magazine. They’re having a dodgeball competition for teams of 10 on Aug. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. If you ain’t too chicken, you can get more info by emailing Meg.Frisbee@Rodale.com.

>> Your input is needed for the Spring 2005 Outdoor Academy in the Pacific Northwest. All manufacturers’ reps are invited to a casual meeting Sunday, Aug. 15, at 8 a.m. to hammer out the where, what and who of this important event. For meeting location and other information, contact Tom Shores at tomshores@theoutdooroasis.com, 707-252-9630.

>> Free beer, free munchies AND a movie? Are we still at the trade show, or did we die and go to heaven? Eagle Creek, in conjunction with Dagger, Yakima and Cordura, will premiere the film “One World” at Brewvies Cinema Pub Saturday, Aug. 14, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the movie rolling at 9 p.m. Seating is limited, so arrive early! Brewvies Cinema Pub is located at 677 South 200 West, #D. Call 801-322-3891.

>> You’ve got foot questions, well, John Vonhof has answers. On Saturday, Aug. 14, Vonhof, author of “Fixing Your Feet” will hold a Q&A session in the Wilderness Press booth 1917 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The gathering, hosted by SmartWool and Wilderness Press, will also include free foot massages.

>> Which do you prefer, a crazy goat or a dead goat? (Yeah, we know, tough choice.) In a shrewd marketing move, the Dead Goat Saloon has changed its name to the CRAZY Goat Saloon. But, if the name change really gets your goat, take heart. For one historic night, the watering hole will, for the final time, operate under its “Dead” banner during Canoe & Kayak Magazine’s 17th Annual Paddlesports Industry Party on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m. The event will include an award presentation for Retailer of the Year, as well as Boat and Accessory Manufacturer of the Year. Chow down on “refreshments” while a DJ spins tunes until closing. Must be 21 years or older. Invitation and ID may be required. The Crazy (Dead) Goat Saloon at 165 South West Temple.

>> Some say our ability to hold a beer is what separates us from the beasts. Well, put your opposable thumbs to good use at The Evolution Continues Beer Party in the Thule booth 5112, Aug. 12, from 4-6 p.m. Celebrate the introduction of the Evolution 2 line of roof racks and enter to win a new Evolution 2 box and other prizes.