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SALT LAKE CITY — One of the bigger events on Salt Lake City's calendar kicks off Wednesday, but this year, a change had to be made.
The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will officially open its doors to the public Wednesday and runs through the weekend. Traditionally, the day before the grand opening — Tuesday, to be exact — is set aside for the "open air demo."
We had quite a few exhibitors who had pretty nice, very expensive equipment. We were concerned about nicks on rocks and people even walking on rocks.
–Liz Crawford, Outdoor Retailer's marketing director
It's a boat show out on the water that gives retailers a chance to show off the latest and greatest. But it's difficult to put on a boat show when there's not enough water.
The event was originally scheduled to take place at Jordanelle Reservoir, but since the reservoir is less than 70 percent full, organizers were forced to find an alternative solution a few weeks ago.
"We had quite a few exhibitors who had pretty nice, very expensive equipment," said Liz Crawford, senior marketing director with the show. "We were concerned about nicks on rocks and people even walking on rocks."
Related:
6 must-see spots at the Outdoor Retailer show
It's that time of year again: Outdoor sport enthusiasts are flocking to Utah from across the country to see their favorite brands' latest and greatest products. Year after year, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show brings in thousands of people to downtown Salt Lake City to preview and buy the next year's gear.The event was relocated to Pineview Reservoir in Weber County, though water levels are low there as well. Most in attendance Tuesday, however, didn't seem to mind.
"Easily adaptable for our purposes, for sure," said Mark Hall with Kayak Distribution, a Canadian company. "Not too many rocks. There are some rocks, but it was good."
Most exhibitors were happy with the change — some even expressed desire to hold the boat show at Pineview again next year.
"The bank was firmer. It was easier to get in and out of the water," said Pete Newport with Sawyer Paddles & Oars. "I saw a lot of people having fun, so I think a lot of boats will be here for next year."
Future locations will likely be determined based on water levels, officials said.
"Maybe an every other year thing," said Crawford. "We do Pineview, Jordanelle, depending on water levels."
