Idaho Statesman - Rec Fest, a two-day recreation celebration is planned in Boise in June 2010
BY BETHANN STEWART - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
10/12/09
http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/941860.html
Ever wonder what the chain-link baskets in Ann Morrison Park are for?
You'll be able to try your hand at disc golf and lots of other outdoor activities at Boise Rec Fest planned in Ann Morrison Park.
Rec Fest is the brainchild of Brett Adler, who moved to Idaho seven years ago. The first day he lived here, Blues Traveler was playing at the Boise River Festival.
"I've lived in big cities and seen big festivals succeed," Adler said. "The River Festival didn't die from lack of (public) interest."
The River Festival, a Boise summer tradition for 13 years, folded and filed for bankruptcy in the fall of 2003. The festival owed nearly 100 creditors a total of almost $1.8 million.
Among its financial problems was its loss in 2003 of a $150,000 corporate sponsor.
Rather than re-create the River Festival, Adler decided to try something new but hopefully as popular as the River Festival was in its heyday.
"There is nothing more at the heart and center of what Boise and Idaho is than recreation," he said.
He left his job at a small software company in June and has been working on Rec Fest full time since then. He is working on getting nonprofit status for Idaho Rec Connection Inc., which will organize and run the event.
While the event is planned for Boise, it won't just be about recreating in the city but all over the state, Adler said.
Rec Fest will be free to the public and rely on sponsorship and exhibitor fees. Adler plans to have sport demonstrations, informational booths and food.
"The big thing for all this is to be community based," Adler said. "It's not about bringing in outsiders or bringing a carnival to town."
For example, the food section will include local vendors and outdoor staples such as Dutch oven cooking and barbecue. Idaho Angler has offered to hold a fly-fishing clinic in the river, and Newt and Harold's might create a skate park, Adler said.
Based on what he's learned about other events, Adler hopes to attract hundreds of vendors and 30,000 to 40,000 visitors, he said.
He also plans to create ways to raise money for two organizations during Rec Fest - the Idaho Children and Nature Network and Boise Parks and Recreation youth scholarship program.
One way might be to sell bracelets that come with additional perks and give a portion of the proceeds to those groups, he said.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation already has signed on as a sponsor of the event. The agency is lending its support in exchange for booth space, said Jennifer Wernex, communications director for Idaho Parks and Recreation.
"We're going to be on site sharing messages about recreational opportunities in Idaho, and safe and ethical recreation," she said.
The agency is a partner with Idaho Children and Nature Network, which formed Be Outside, a group of public and private agencies whose goal is to introduce kids to nature.
Adler's vision for Rec Fest is in line with the agency's mission, said Jennifer Wernex, communications director for Idaho Parks and Recreation.
"What we're seeing is this huge change in technology and how kids interact with the world," Wernex said. "More things are happening inside. We want to raise a generation that appreciates what we have."
Boise hasn't hosted a big recreation festival before, said CeCe Gassner, economic development assistant to Mayor David Bieter.
"We think it will be a great festival to highlight the recreational and outdoor activities available in Idaho, and we're really glad it's taking place in the city," Gassner said.
Bethann Stewart: 377-6393
