BRYSON CITY, N.C. (September 20, 2012) — Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), named “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, has announced the final event schedule for its famous end-of-season Guest Appreciation Festival. Colloquially known as “GAF,” the festival is one of the Southeast’s largest outdoor lifestyle events. It is anchored by NOC’s massive used gear sale where the company liquidates gear and equipment used throughout the summer season. This results in remarkable bargains for thrifty outdoors enthusiasts. The event is set for September 28-30.

Besides NOC’s used gear sale, the event boasts a used gear marketplace where enthusiasts can buy and sell gear to one another. NOC’s famous riverside Outfitter’s Store will offer big savings on new fall season gear and apparel. Dozens of manufacturer representatives will be on hand to discuss product features and answer guests’ questions.

Beyond gear, the festival offers an abundance of free entertainment. Kids will enjoy the challenge of an outdoor climbing wall, special event-only access to NOC’s Zip Line Adventure Park, a live raptor show, professional storytelling, bounce houses, games and face-painting.

Adults will enjoy watching a range of exciting free outdoor events, including acrobatic bike trials exhibitions, a head-to-head “boater cross” race, a freestyle kayaking competition, and a slalom kayak race. They are also invited to participate in wilderness survival skills clinics, an on-the-water surf school hosted by NOC’s Paddling School and to ride a mountain biking pump track. Our age-appropriate guests are also welcome to participate in a Friday night beer tasting. Since GAF is participation-focused, guests are encouraged to bring a change of clothes.

Five bands will providefree live music on Friday and Saturday at NOC’s riverside café and bar. This year’s lineup includes hard-driving old-timey music by the Freight Hoppers, dance-friendly jazz from the Vertigo Jazz Project, alternative bluegrass from the Packway Handle Band, rock from the Archrivals and funk from perennial GAF favorite The Secret B-Sides. Beyond live music, a dance party will go late on both Friday and Saturday night for late-night revelry.

“When it comes tocelebrating our guests and active outdoor recreation, we go all out!” says Marketing Director Charles Conner. “Our Guest Appreciation Festival is a full weekend’s worth of free fun. That’s why so many guests have made it an annual tradition for their families; they never miss it.”

For more information on Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Guest Appreciation Festival go to http://www.noc.com/GAF or call 866.535.5743.

About Nantahala Outdoor Center:

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation companies. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, travel to foreign countries with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its three LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina, and 22 Olympians including 2 Gold Medalists have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE.