Reimagining Graniteer
A note from Tyler Ray, Director of Graniter Outdoor Alliance.
Dear GOA Members and Friends,
We want to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Graniteer Festival until 2025, which we believe is in the best interest of our members and the broader outdoor community. Our intent to move Graniteer to Manchester to reach outdoor enthusiasts in New Hampshire’s largest, incredibly vibrant city remains strong. However, we recognize the need for additional time to build a solid coalition that will ensure our success.
The past year has been a challenging one for outdoor businesses. Recreation providers encountered extreme weather patterns and shortened seasons, retailers grappled with inventory overhang, and brands faced rising supply chain costs while consumers struggled with inflation and recessionary anxiety. However, outdoor participation is still on the rise, which means there is a growing core audience for unique outdoorsy experiences. A little time to breathe and reconnect is a good thing.
Families enjoy the music at Graniteer 2025 in Franconia.
Photo by Joe Viger Photography
This gives our team at Granite Outdoor the opportunity to focus on some exciting projects to enhance our services and the statewide outdoor economy. We will undergo a 12-month industry roadmap planning process, with stakeholder-driven feedback being a significant component, beginning in September. We will emphasize impact and topical programs that are both attractive and engaging for our members, including workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and business services. We will also prioritize a membership initiative and consensus management to build a stronger outdoor community in NH. In lieu of Graniteer 2024, we will host smaller events designed to rebuild and support the outdoor sector as we adapt to changes in the industry landscape, and we’re excited for this journey!
Mobilizing the private sector is crucial for our future advocacy planning, and we believe these steps will lay the foundation for a successful Graniteer in Manchester in 2025. We encourage outdoor participants, partners, and advocates to reach out if you want to get involved.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work together to strengthen the outdoor industry in New Hampshire.