The Parkland Outdoor Show and Expo has become one of the big outdoor events in the province. The 2016 event, taking place from April 16-17, is aimed at giving something for everyone who spends time outdoors.
Nolan Johnson with the show says that between the over 100 exhibitors, different guest speakers and events at the show. They are focused on the outdoors, but want to cast a wide net, as they recognize that represents many different hobbies, whether that means hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or other activities.
“We really tailor our show to the outdoor enthusiast.”
The goal with the speakers is to hit as many subjects as they can. Fred Eichler, with two shows on Wild TV, is probably the biggest name they have, Johnson says, with presentations at the banquet on Saturday as well as on stage at the show. There will also be Les Johnson, with Predator Quest, who will be at the lunch on Saturday. Brooke Thomas is someone Johnson describes as a “different catch,” a deep sea fisher who breaks down stereotypes of fishing women.
“We’re looking to bring the biggest names we can in the outdoor industry. From the shows we’ve been to across Canada and in the United States, in Canada for sure there’s no show that brings this big of guest speakers.”
One of the regular highlights is the 3D Archery Shoot, taking place at the Agri-Pavillion. The show gives people the chance to test their bows in the shoot. There will also be the chance for kids without bows to try it out for the first time.
Archery is also why the show exists, explains Johnson, as it began as a way to raise money for archery programs for kids in the city. That continues to be a big part of why the show exists, and it has donated back over $100,000 to programs in the surrounding area. They are also supporting Access to the Outdoors, a program which gives people with disabilities the chance to enjoy the outdoors, in partnership with Eagle West and Pheasant Point Adventures.
The growth of the show makes sense because this is an outdoor-focused community, Johnson believes, making an outdoor show something that people would be naturally inclined to support.
“We’re a hub and we’re an outdoor centre. We’ve got a lot of bird outfitters who call Yorkton home, bear outfitters and deer outfitters, and a lot of people who hunt around the community. It was definitely needed, and I think we hit it out of the park.”
The show kicks off with a party at the Painted Hand Casino, starting at 7:00 p.m. on April 15. The show itself runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Gallagher Centre.
