NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show returns to Harrisburg
NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show returns to Harrisburg
By Tyler Frantz
The “new kid on the block” made some noticeable changes when it came to running the largest outdoors show in the world last year, but these changes seem to have been a success.
For the first time ever, the National Rifle Association stepped in to assume leadership of the Great American Outdoor Show- a replacement for the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, which was previously held at the PA Farm Show Complex each winter prior to 2013’s abrupt show cancellation. Upon entering the main Exposition Hall last year (the same location of the Farm Show’s famous food court), show attendees were wowed by a wall-to-wall assembly of gun manufacturers and shooting sports experts. This was a major change from previous years, but it made a clear statement about the rookie sponsor’s views on the subject of firearms.
Established in 1871, the NRA is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Boasting five million members around the globe, the NRA advocates for upholding Second Amendment rights and promotes firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. The association is also a firm supporter of the outdoor community, and they seemed to have demonstrated their values through last winter’s inaugural show. The fact that they’re returning this year proves they’ve made an impression on PA sportsmen and have also made some friends in Harrisburg as well.
In a December press release, the NRA announced the donation of $50,000 to the Harrisburg Police Department for the purchase of a fully equipped Police Cruiser. A special check presentation took place at the Hoffman Ford dealership along Jonestown Road just before Christmas. “The people of Central Pennsylvania were very supportive when the NRA launched the Great American Outdoor Show,” said NRA General Operations Executive Director Kyle Weaver. “This is our way of thanking the community for welcoming us to the neighborhood.”
“This important donation to the Harrisburg Police Department is part of NRA's long history of supporting law enforcement, gun safety programs and other activities that promote the outdoor lifestyle through The NRA Foundation.”
The show is also great business for the Capitol area. It features top-tier manufacturers, outfitters and retailers, along with popular outdoor celebrities, professional hunting and fishing seminars, an NRA Country Concert and interactive family-friendly activities. This year’s show runs from February 7th-15th. With support from chief sponsors such as the Outdoor Channel, Cabelas, Ram Trucks and Henry Repeating Arms, show goers can once again expect an incredible lineup of events.
“This year’s events are a great opportunity for the entire family to test their outdoor sports skills in a fun environment,” said Jeff Poole, NRA Shows & Exhibits Managing Director. “Between the show’s events, seminars, the NRA Foundation Banquet, and the NRA Country Concert with Lee Brice and Thompson Square, there’s so much to do at the Great American Outdoor Show.”
A few specific areas of interest will include themed exhibitor halls for Archery, Boats, Fishing, Hunting Outfitters, Outdoor Products, RVs and Shooting Sports. There will be a taxidermy competition, three-gun experience with AirSoft technology, 3-D bowhunter challenge, game calling contests, live trout pond, Wall of Guns fundraiser, archery tag, celebrity demos and an outdoor gear auction hosted by the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association. Keeping track of all the excitement is made easier with “GAOS 2015,” the official mobile app for the Great American Outdoor Show, which is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The free app provides users with information to plan and enhance their show experience. I tried out last year’s version, and it did simplify the process of finding exhibitors I wanted to see and navigating the complex’s somewhat confusing layout.
“Downloading the mobile app is a simple way to ensure you experience all the Great American Outdoor Show has to offer,” said Poole. “Whether you’re looking for a favorite exhibitor, special events or a particular seminar, this app can help you manage the 650,000 square feet of activities and not miss a beat.”
If one thing is for certain, there’s surely something to strike the fancy of every outdoors enthusiast. It’s a great place for spending a day with friends and family- talking with likeminded individuals and learning more about the sports we enjoy most. I plan to make a few trips to the show this year, so if you happen to bump into me during your travels, please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello.
To purchase advance tickets to the Great American Outdoor Show and see a complete list of events, visit www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.
Show Hours:
February 7, 2015 (Saturday)
9:00am - 7:00pm February 8, 2015 (Sunday)
10:00am - 5:00pm
February 9-February 13, 2015 (Mon-Fri)
10:00am - 7:00pm
February 14, 2015 (Saturday)
9:00am - 7:00pm
February 15, 2015 (Sunday)
10:00am - 5:00pm
Ticket Prices:
Adult: $13.00
Child (6-12): $6.00
Senior (65 or older): $10.00
2-Day Pass: $22.00
Group ticket $10 (10 or more)
For more great writing and video work by outdoor freelancer, Tyler Frantz, visit www.naturalpursuitoutdoors.com. Also, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
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