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Kawasaki ATV Division Reaffirms Commitment to 'Grass Roots'

1 July 1999

Kawasaki ATV Division Reaffirms Commitment to 'Grass Roots' with Sponsorship Of Silver Country ATV Festival

    WALLACE, Idaho, July 1 -- Historic Wallace, Idaho, which sits
in the middle of what was once the heart of this area's silver production,
calls itself the ATV Capital of the World.  There certainly won't be any doubt
about that designation when hundreds of ATV riders converge on the photogenic
town in mid-July to participate in the Kawasaki-sponsored Silver Country ATV
Festival and Rodeo.
    Annually attracting enthusiasts from across the country, the Silver
Country event has become one of the most prestigious and unique gatherings of
its kind.  Wallace, located little more than an hour east of Spokane, WA, is a
picture postcard step into the past.  Reminiscent of movie sets (in fact, it
was the base for Universal's "Dante's Peak"), Wallace captures everything that
was exciting about the Old West, giving one the freedom to roam about,
unhindered by the rules of modern city life.
    Besides boasting access to over 1,000 miles of ATV trails, Wallace city
leadership also opens its downtown streets to ATVs -- that's right, all of the
city is available to Silver Country ATV Festival attendees, July 13-18.  The
uniqueness of this approach to drawing tourism has landed past events
everywhere from the pages of The New York Times to network news evening
broadcasts.
    Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., the Irvine, Calif.-based distributor of
recreational products, including a wide range of all-terrain vehicles,
recognized the potential for creating a four-wheel environment that combines
elements of adventure and responsible usage.  The company will work closely
with Wallace city officials and their tourism staff to broaden awareness of
the area as a year-around destination for off-road enthusiasts.
    The weeklong festival will include numerous opportunities for families to
join others of similar interests.  Among the scheduled activities are lengthy
trail rides, a parade through downtown Wallace, a skills rodeo, a fishing
ride, and an opportunity for newcomers to the area to try their hands at
panning for silver.
    Information on the Silver Country ATV Festival and Rodeo can be obtained
by contacting the organizers toll-free at 888-326-4611, or on the World Wide
Web at http://www.silvercountry.com.