Representatives from WPBS in Watertown were in Old Forge on Tuesday, February 19 to give a presentation to area business owners at McCauley Mountain regarding sponsorship opportunities for their upcoming television series, Xpedition Outdoors.
The local PBS station is hoping to film not only an episode of skiing at McCauley Mountain, but to return to Old Forge throughout the year to film other adventure excursion opportunities.
Among the seasonal activities discussed were a white water rafting trip with Adirondack River Outfitters (ARO), a paddling trip along the famed 90-miler canoe trail, and extreme mountain biking.
Production of a 13-part adventure series began shortly after the station received a grant to purchase high definition (HD) equipment.
The pilot episode was filmed at Ausable Chasm. The footage of the show’s host and crew rappelling down 80-foot cliffs and traversing Ausable River received positive public review.
Most recently, the production crew was in Lake Placid to participate in bobsledding, ice climbing and tobogganing. They have also gone on an excursion to Tug Hill to experience Kite Skiing.
According to Director of Corporate Support for WPBS, Kraig Everard, their hope for the show is that it will inspire viewers to get out and explore different areas and try things they might otherwise not attempt, regardless of their level of experience.
And while doing so, they will offer a boost to the small business community by increasing tourism, he said.
“The Town is committed to underwriting this project, and then we will co-op with other businesses that want to sign on,” said Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.
As part of the show, WPBS is holding a casting competition to select twelve special guests from their viewership to be a part of the show.
Those interested are asked to upload a video to their youtube.com account citing why they believe they would make a great special guest along with examples of what types of adventures they would like to see on the show. More information about Xpedition Outdoors can be found online at Facebook.com/XpeditionOutdoors.
