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Larry Harrison California Backpacking Show records

 Collection
Identifier: UUS_ORA 046

Content Description

This collection contains documents, catalogs and records related to the California Backpacking Shows (CBS) dating from 1979-1987. Larry Harrison served as the organizer of several of the CBS that were held in the 1970s and ‘80s. These shows were held in hotels across California once or twice a year and were a place for outdoor product companies to pitch product lines to invited retailers. The evolution of the CBS year on year is evident in the collection materials, which also highlights the growth of the outdoor recreation industry and the public attention it received throughout the 1980s.

Dates

  • Creation: 1979-1987

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on access, except: not available through interlibrary loan.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Larry Harrison California Backpacking Show records must be obtained from the Outdoor Recreation Archive Curator and/or the Special Collections Section Head.

Biographical / Historical

Larry Harrison is an outdoor industry professional with more than five decades of experience in brand development and trade show management. He worked with companies such as JanSport, Sierra Designs, and Eagle Creek before serving as Brand Development Director for Outdoor Retailer, one of the industry’s major trade shows. Harrison contributed to the growth of outdoor trade events and helped foster collaboration among manufacturers, retailers, and industry organizations. He received Outdoor Retailer’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 in recognition of his career contributions. Earlier in his career, he was also involved in organizing regional events such as the California Backpacking Show.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection includes correspondence, promotional materials, and attendance information for the California Backpacking/Camping Show.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into folders of materials associated with California Backpacking Shows from the relevant year.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These materials were donated to USU Special Collections and Archives in 2023 by Larry Harrison.

Title
Guide to the Larry Harrison California Backpacking Show records
Author
Finding aid created by Asher Bosworth and Clint Pumphrey
Date
2025
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
Merrill-Cazier Library
Utah State University
3000 Old Main Hill
Logan Utah 84322-3000 United States
435 797-8248
435 797-2880 (Fax)