Traverse City Events and Classes Backcountry North frequently sponsors, organizes or supports local outdoor industry activities, seminars, and symposiums. In addition, there are number of sales that go on throughout the year, so be sure to stay updated on these upcoming events!

Gales of November - A White Mountains Adventure with Mark, Dan, & Dwight Wednesday, May 2, 2012 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm   US-31, Traverse City Store Location   Join us for a night of story-telling and pictures from three guys who decide to tackle the White Mountains! The White Mountains are located in New Hampshire; this national forest feature hundreds of miles of trails with varying elevations and some of the worst weather known to man recorded in the area. With a little bit of planning and training, these guys are here to prove that if they can do it, you can too! Each participant will be given a copy of AMC White Mountain Map to follow along or to plan a trip of their own! Be sure to stop in at one of our stores to sign up for this great evening of information and fun! Cost: $5 per person. US-31 Location, Traverse City: 231-941-1100 Downtown Location, Traverse City: 231-946-1339

Appalachian Trail Slideshow with Joe Fordon Wednesday, May 9, 2012 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm   US-31, Traverse City Store Location   Come join us for a slide-show of the Appalachian Trail, presented by our own Joe Fordon. Whether you are simply curious or planning a trip of your own, this slide-show will give you insight as to how life is on the trail. Each participant will be given one of Joe's favorite items; a Rite in the Rain waterproof notepad. Be sure to stop in at one of our stores to sign up for this great evening of information and fun! Cost: $5 per person US-31 Location, Traverse City: 231-941-1100 Downtown Location, Traverse City: 231-946-1339

Garage Sale and Used Gear Sale Saturday, May 12, 2012 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm   US-31, Traverse City Store Location   This is a great opportunity to sell your lightly used gear and update your old equipment. We gather up our unsold products, discontinued items, and sales samples for this event, while our employees also bring in their barely used items so that we can offer you some great deals at some amazing prices! Drop-off for the sale is Saturday, May 12 between 10:00am -11:00 am; be sure your items are clean and lightly used. The sale runs from 12:00pm - 7:00pm and all participants will receive a store credit for the full amount of their sold items - no commission charged! Pick up for your unsold gear is between 7:00pm and 8:00pm - anything unclaimed after pick-up hours will be donated to the Goodwill Inn. Be sure to stop by on this day because whether you are buying, selling, or both - there is sure to be a great selection! Please call our US-31 location if you have any further questions about this event. US-31 Location, Traverse City: 231-941-1100

Alaska's Greatest Hits with guide Michael Gray Wednesday, May 16, 2012 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm   US-31, Traverse City Store Location   Professionally guiding since 1982, author Michael Gray has been fortunate to be able to work out of a kayak in locations all over the world. This digital image presentation gives an overview of Sea Kayak Trips in Alaska's Kenai Fjords, Prince William Sound, and a circumnavigation of Shuyak Island, part of the Kodiak Archipelago. Alaska is BIG! Big ice, big whales, big bears, and huge vistas are available to those who adventure quietly in skinny little boats. Be sure to stop in at one of our stores to sign up for this great evening of information and fun! Cost: $5 per person US-31 Location, Traverse City: 231-941-1100 Downtown Location, Traverse City: 231-946-1339

Traverse City Annual Kayak Symposium Saturday, June 2, 2012 11:00 am - 4:00 pm   Clinch Park, Traverse City   This annual on-water tutorial has become one of the most popular Backcountry North events! Come spend an afternoon with us learning about boat design, paddling techniques, and safety procedures. We will provide the information needed to select the right kayak for your needs and help you to develop safe paddling habits on the water. You may choose the instructional section that you would like to partake in. More information is available during registration. Representatives from Wilderness Systems, Native Kayaks, Current Designs, and Liquid Logic will be there to offer instruction, answer questions, and also have a variety of model kayaks available for you to demo. Backcountry North staff will be on hand to answer questions about gear. Lunch is provided and all participants will receive a coupon for discounts on kayaks and paddle-related accessories purchased over the weekend of the demo. Space is limited as this event has a 40 person capacity, so be sure to sign up soon! Pre-registration is required; contact either Traverse City Backcountry North location for more information!  Cost: $50 per person  US-31 Location, Traverse City: 231-941-1100 Downtown Location, Traverse City: 231-946-1339

The Grass River Paddle with a Naturalist Guide Wednesday, June 6, 2012 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm   Schuss Beach, Lake Bellaire   Located in the Chain of Lakes waterway, the 1,325 acre Grass River Natural Area in Antrim County contains rare and endangered species of plants and animals. We meet at Grass River and after a short presentation on safety and paddle techniques, we then paddle up river with a naturalist to guide our way. Any length kayak is permitted on this trip, but it is rated as moderately difficult due to heading upstream. The fees for this trip go towards supporting Grass River Natural Area. This favorite paddling adventure fills up fast, so be sure to call or stop in at one of the Traverse City locations to register! Cost: $20 with your own boat $30 if you need to rent US-31 Location, Traverse City: 231-941-1100 Downtown Location, Traverse City: 231-946-1339

What SUP? Traverse City Stand Up Paddleboard Event with Tim Truman of Boardworks Saturday, June 9, 2012 11:00 am - 3:00 pm   Clinch Park, Traverse City   The first year for our new SUP event! Manufacturer's rep and Backcountry North staff will be there to provide basic instruction and opportunities to paddle a variety of SUP boards. Prepare to get wet! Dress for water temperature and bring a spare change of clothes. Suggested clothing: wet suit. Cost: $20 per person US-31 Location, Traverse City: 231-941-1100 Downtown Location, Traverse City: 231-946-1339

Traverse City Sidewalk Sale Friday, August 3, 2012 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Downtown, Traverse City  Traverse City closes off Front street for this once a year event. We combine some of the best deals from all three of our stores to offer you the best prices and biggest selection possible! Many people like to come down and make a day of it, as the Sidewalk Sale runs all day, and Friday Night Live begins later in the evening with vendors, live entertainment and many other events for the whole family.