If free activities, generously discounted outdoor equipment, kayak demonstrations and treasure hunting appeal to your senses, you'll want to mark your calendar. Northwest Adventure Center is having its Annual Open House and Community Yard Sale May 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Director of Outdoor Recreation, Laura Lad, said the event is a win-win situation for Outdoor Recreation and the Joint Base Lewis-McChord community. For outdoor enthusiasts, it is a rare opportunity to purchase gear for a fraction of what they might normally pay. For Outdoor Recreation, the event is chance to sell older, used equipment to make room for new.

"We've already used the equipment (being sold) to the point that we need something new, but everything is still in good, usable condition," Lad said.

Prices of equipment are determined by silent bidding with all sales being final. Outdoor Recreation buys top-notch gear, but because it is rented out and used by patrons year-round for Outdoor Recreation-sponsored trips, the equipment depreciates quickly. Rather than continue renting out the heavily used gear, the annual sale allows Outdoor Recreation to keep up with the latest and best equipment for its customers.

A preview of items for sale included everything from appliances such as refrigerators, stoves and grills to larger gear like utility trailers, kayaks, tent canopies among others.

Lad said kayaks originally valued at $2,000 could sell for as little as $200. An even bigger bargain, she remembered from last year, was when a group of customers walked away with a trailer for $500.

Used equipment won't be the only thing for sale. For one day only, May 14, NAC is offering 10 percent off everything in the store. Lad said it is an especially popular time for people to purchase SCUBA gear, which is already priced lower than what stores sell for off post. There will also be space cordoned off for a yard sale where community members can pay $10 for a table to display their own goods for sale.

Those not interested in purchasing anything still have plenty of reasons to stop by. At least two of the log cabins on site will be open for viewing, and there will be live demonstrations giving guests instructions for kayaking on the lake.

Several attractions, including a rock climbing wall and bounce houses, will be available for children - all at no cost. The highlight, however, will undoubtedly be a makeshift pond filed with about 300 "decent sized" trout. Each child will have an opportunity to catch a trout. Fishing poles and bags for transporting the fish will be provided.

"We have people just come and bring their kids so they can do the free activities," Lad said. "I think it's a good experience for the children to come and for the adults to watch them go fish."

Any fish that go uncaught will be tossed into American Lake afterward.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, but only military ID cardholders are allowed to purchase equipment.

"We hope people come out and take advantage of the fun," Lad said. "It's a good opportunity to see what Northwest Adventure Center offers and what's for rent."

If you are interested in reserving a table for the community yard sale or would like more information about the event, contact Lad at 967-6263.