ST. LOUIS (BRAIN) — The 2018 Mississippi Valley Bike + Outdoor Expo attracted about 2,500 attendees, a record for the 16-year-old show. The event also raised a record amount of money for BWorks, a nonprofit that will benefit from event ticket sales.
The show was held at the 40,000-square-foot Gateway Center in Collinsville, Illinois, on Sunday, Jan. 14. It featured 112 vendors across 178 booths. Vendors included organizations related to cycling, running/walking, fitness/nutrition, camping/hiking, water activities/sports, climbing, multisport and more.
"The expo did an excellent job of bringing together multisport organizations and vendors that appeared to attract a huge crowd," said Bryan Adams, board member for Gateway Off-Road Cyclists. "The hard work showed on how well it was run. I don't think we have ever had that much interest at the earlier events. The day went by fast, and I was almost hoarse from all the talking."
The exact donation to BWorks was unavailable, but organizers said it will exceed last year's record donation of $4,500. BWorks' primary mission is to increase the probability of positive life outcomes for youth by providing them the incentive and opportunity to develop their academic, vocational and social skills through programs using bicycles, books and computers. Its work is funded mainly through the sale of refurbished adult bicycles. More information at bworks.org.
