Win Tickets to the First Annual Outdoor Gear Expo

Have you ever been fly-fishing along the Coginchaug River? Or traversed the Mattabesett Trail with you're very own, hand-carved walking stick? Or tried running five miles along Route 17 - barefoot?

OK, so maybe you're not equipped or prepared to take on any of these outdoor adventures, but...

On Saturday, April 30, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, along with members of CFPA's student club at Wesleyan University, will hold the First Annual Outdoor Gear Expo.

The event will feature FREE clinics, as well as a Silent Auction, proceeds of which will benefit the CFPA's conservation programs, which include Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails, Conserving Land & Forests, Environmental Education, and WalkCT.

"Part of enjoying the outdoors is being properly equipped. Part of the fun is being able to do things that you might not ordinarily be able to do without appropriate equipment, so we decided to do an outdoor gear expo," CFPA Development Director James Little said.

The Outdoor Gear Expo will be held at Fayerweather Beckham Hall at Wesleyan University in Middletown, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission to the event is free for CFPA members and $5 for the general public. (See below for a chance to win a pair of passes from Patch.)

Clinics include :

• camping gear and "Tents 101"
• fly fishing
• bike equipment and repair
• skateboarding and longboarding tips
• barefoot running and run commuting
• backpack packing techniques
• carve your own walking stick
• maple syrup

The Silent Auction (from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.) will feature a wide variety of items, including fun and functional outdoor gear, jewelry, books, artwork, and other items donated by vendors and friends of CFPA. For more details on auction items, click here.

Anyone is interested in donating items to the auction can contact James Little at jlittle@ctwoodlands.org.

Enter to Win 2 Free tickets to the Outdoor Gear Expo from Patch: Email your name, address and a brief description of your favorite outdoor activity/location in the town where you live to editor Michael Hayes at michael.hayes@patch.com. Entries are due by Thursday, April 21 and may be published on Patch.