Thanksgiving Day is typically full of Tryptophan naps and overindulgence in both food and booze, followed by a day filled with insane shopping ventures that will shock your system. This year, instead of participating in the madness that is Black Friday, maybe try walking off some of that Thanksgiving dinner by getting outside on Friday. You may even win a few prizes along the way.
Last year, outdoor retailer REI closed their doors during Black Friday, passing up millions of dollars in Black Friday sales to encourage their customers to “Opt Outside” with them. According to the Austin Parks Foundation, more than a million people participated in this event that REI started, which then encouraged Austin Parks Foundation to start their own campaign this year. Their plan is to “skip the malls and celebrate life outdoors, because fresh air is FREE(ing).”
To thank and encourage participants, Austin Parks Foundation is giving away some REI gear, including an REI Flash Pack and an REI Sleeping Pod. To enter, just head to an Austin park on Black Friday (you can find activity ideas on REI’s #OptOutside mini site and find local park information in the APF parks database). Then, take a selfie in the park and post to your Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram (you’ll need to be following APF’s accounts, as well). Tagging APF and REI in your pics is encouraged!
Make sure your posts get noticed by using the #OptOutside and #PeoplePlusParks hashtag. APF will search for your posts this way and choose a winner on Monday, November 28. You MUST use both hashtags and follow APF to enter.
Featured photo courtesy Austin Parks Foundation
