Red Deer’s 45th annual Sportsman and Outdoor Adventure Show opens this weekend in three pavilions at the Red Deer’s Westerner Park.
It will be the first time in several years the event will take over three pavilions and organizer Jeff Chocholacek said it’s a testament to the show’s growing popularity.
“There’s kind of something for everybody there,” Chocholacek said.
More than 100 exhibitors will be present at the show, displaying “anything and everything to do with the outdoors.”
People can peruse tables showcasing gear for a diverse array of activities, including hunting, fishing, boating, camping, scuba diving and hot air ballooning.
In addition to exhibitors, a handful of guest speakers will present throughout the weekend.
Bentley Coben, a hunter and wildlife photographer from Saskatchewan, will speak for his fourth consecutive year. His talk will focus on the importance of getting children to connect with nature.
Coben took his own children bird hunting when they were as young as six. He said the experience helped them form a life-long love for the sport.
“The noise of the geese in the air, the smell — their eyes get as big as saucers,” Coben said. “It excites them and they want to go back again.”
Les Johnson from the Predator Quest television show will speak at the show for the first time about predator calling and hunting.
He said he has received several emails and Facebook messages from fans who are excited to meet him in Red Deer.
“I can only assume that the turnout is going to be great and it’s going to be a very good event,” Johnson said.
The show boasts a number of kid-friendly activities, including a fish pond and performances by Red Deer’s Hot Diggity Dogs.
The event runs Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12 years.
All proceeds from the event go towards the Red Deer Fish and Game Association, a non-profit group that promotes the management of Alberta’s natural resources. The cost of admission includes entry into draws for the show’s door prizes.
This year’s prizes include a salmon fishing trip, a houseboat vacation, a fly-fishing weekend and digital trail camera.
More information about the event can be found online at www.reddeersportsmanshow.com.
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