For some, Black Friday is about shopping and holiday sales, but the social media campaign #optoutside encouraged people to spend the day playing outdoors instead. Dewey Gallegos, co-owner of the Pedal House Bike Shop in Laramie, has closed his doors and participated in #optoutside for the last three years, including this one.
This past Friday, he offered a free mountain bike demo on a newly opened public trail system on the eastern edge of town.
“We are a store. We do appreciate that people come shopping,” said Gallegos. “But that one day, we would rather be part of the community than part of the frenzy.”
Opt outside was started by REI, the outdoor equipment company. It’s turned into a national movement, according to Bruce Palmer, the director of admissions and marketing for the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, Wyoming. He said his family also participates in #optoutside.
“It can be as simple as going outside and raking some leaves, and getting some exercise outdoors,” said Palmer. “I know for myself we have a tradition of taking our dog out and going pheasant hunting.”
Palmer added he hopes people get outside whenever and however they can.
“We’re blessed with the big outdoors here in Wyoming and we should all enjoy it.”