In its second year of existence the Parkland Outdoor Show and Expo expanded in a big way in its aim to raise money for the National Archery in Schools Program and build a National Archery Facility to hold events in Yorkton. Expo organizer Darren Wandy mentioned that in its second year things have went smoother with the infrastructure in place and expanded with over twenty more exhibitors to grow the event. "Last year was a very succesful first go for us, but now having things set up and ready to go for the event operating costs will be done and some of the mistakes of running an event for the first time and the expenses have been minimized which hopefully will allow us to be able to raise more profit this year" explained Wandy.
Of the 92 exhibitors the Expo had two Wild TV hosts on hand guest speaking as well as having a booth. Eva Shockey of Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures and Les Johnson of Predator Quest came down to the event and were extremely pleased with the turnout and how well the event was ran saying that while doing less shows this year, they made sure to come to the Yorkton expo. "I came last year and even though I did less shows this year I made sure to come back because it might be my favorite on the circuit and it has such a great following already" mentioned Shockey. Other highlights of exhibits were the new Canadian Tire location in Yorkton who were showing off their new on location pro shop, and a hunting lodge that came all the way from Ontario to try to encourage hunters from Saskatchewan to explore Ontario as an option for their hunting excursions.
But the main focus of the event is on raising money for NASP and growing archery in schools, a cause Wandy holds dear to him and has worked on for years, getting archery in every GSSD school from Grades 4-12. "Archery is a sport that I love because anybody can participate, it doesn't matter on academic standing, athletic ability, gender, age, wealth, anyone can go into archery and become apart of a team and a sport which I feel is important on growing values in youth through athletics and this is a great environment for that" said Wandy.
Wandy also mentioned that the Expo is working with the city on plans to expand the event, which has quickly grown to one of the best in Western Canada in just two years. "This is an event that both helps promote what we love in hunting and fishing as well as helping to grow a great program in NASP so we hope to keep doing this and growing" closed Wandy.
