Gear Swap Boosts Outdoor Activities in Schools

Chattanooga (WDEF) –  A once-a-year gear swap to raise money for environmental education took place this weekend on Cherokee Boulevard.

Gear Closet hosted the event which featured dozens of vendors selling, consigning, and swapping sporting equipment for the local outdoor enthusiast.

Hundreds of people showed up to buy bikes, hiking shoes and even bowling balls.

The funds go to bring outdoor education to local schools like Red Bank Elementary.

Mary Beth Sutton of Gear Closet says "this year because were working on so many other projects they called and said Mary Beth can you help us? Can you host the gear swap? And of course we said okay. So we invited whatever community members wanted to come and swap their gear and they set up booths and they have been here all day. I’ve been here since 7:30."

The event is held yearly to coincide with earth day which is next Wednesday.