From sports stars to R2-D2: May the 4th be with you at this sports and outdoor expo in St. George

Written by Jessi Bang
April 30, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Get ready to rub elbows with local athletes, Star Wars characters and surprise guests at the Southern Utah Sports & Outdoor Expo this Saturday.

Event Producer Melynda Fanene with GTHR1 Productions takes a photo with R2-D2 at BigShots Golf in St. George, Utah, April 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Event producer Melynda Fanene with GTHR1 Productions takes a photo with R2-D2 at BigShots Golf in St. George, Utah, April 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

The event will take place on the front lawn of BigShots Golf from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Coinciding with the day of the Intermountain Health Ironman 70.3 North American Championship, the expo’s later start time will allow spectators and participants to enjoy the Ironman festivities and join in the expo fun or just escape the hustle and bustle of downtown altogether.

“We chose May the 4th because it’s also tied to Star Wars,” event producer Melynda Fanene with GTHR1 Productions said. “We have some special guests that’ll be really fun for everyone involved. You won’t want to miss it.”

In a community brimming with boundless sporting and outdoor adventures, this event serves as a gateway to discover local opportunities, products, services and knowledge tailored for everyone, from young enthusiasts to seasoned adventurers.

What can attendees expect?

A graphic shows details of the upcoming Sports & Outdoor Expo, which will take place at BigShots Golf on May 4 | Graphic courtesy of Melynda Fanene, St. George News
A graphic shows details of the upcoming Sports & Outdoor Expo, which will take place at BigShots Golf on May 4 | Graphic courtesy of Melynda Fanene, St. George News

The exhibitor lineup will highlight Southern Utah’s sports scene, featuring local facilities like Ace Martial Arts alongside offerings like infant swim lessons. Additionally, health, wellness and outdoor brands will be represented. Fanene said the goal of the event is to spotlight lesser-known local sports businesses, providing them a platform to connect with the community. Approximately 30 exhibitors are expected to participate.

Attendees can expect an outdoor meet and greet with special Star Wars characters from 2-4 p.m. And for all the avid sports card collectors, a sports card trade event will take place from 4-6 p.m. inside the BigShots event room.

Hosted by GTHR1 Productions under the organization Field & Court, the aim of the expo is to motivate young athletes by showcasing outstanding local sports figures. The event will feature a few local professional and college athletes who will serve as positive role models and mentors for the youth.

Field & Court is a platform supporting dreams through opportunity, education and inspiration for and by young athletes with the motto, “Let’s be excellent.” They encourage young athletes to be excellent in all areas of their lives and become inspired by mentors and older athletes in the community. Service is the main focus of the events, which they plan to hold monthly under the “Athletes Who Help” project.

Saturday’s expo attendees are invited to bring an item to donate to the local food bank.

Melynda Fanene's son Rock Fanene shows off his sports card collection in anticipation of the sports card trading event, St. George, Utah, April 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Melynda Fanene’s son Rock Fanene shows off his sports card collection in anticipation of the sports card trading event, St. George, Utah, April 29, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“We want to provide a place for athletes of all ages all over Southern Utah to come together and help, whether it’s the food bank, or cleaning up an area of St. George,” she said. “For athletes, yes, it’s great to be amazing at your sport, but hopefully, you’re amazing at your life. And I think a big part of that is serving others.”

Fanene said attendees can expect surprise sports and movie character guests, and some will be announced on the Field & Court Instagram page before the event. Giveaways will be raffled off throughout the entire event. Feeling hungry? Attendees can enjoy dining and drinks inside BigShots kitchen and bar.

Fanene said she feels BigShots is the perfect venue for the event because it combines the entire sports world with golf, mini-golf and outdoor activities. The goal is to hold the Sports & Outdoor Expo semi-annually.

“Mostly for me, it’s just bringing awesome people together,” she said. “Hopefully this will be a fun activity for families, kids of all ages and the outdoor aspect. The physical and mental benefits of sports and outdoor recreation is so beneficial.” 

Find out how the force binds the galaxy together and how focus determines your reality at this free local event.

Event details

  • What: Southern Utah Sports & Outdoor Expo.
  • When: Saturday, May 4, from noon to 6 p.m.
  • Where: BigShots Golf. 
  • Admission: Free.
  • For more information see the event page.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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