NRA Great American Outdoor Show is underway
NRA Great American Outdoor Show is underway
By Tyler Frantz
The world’s largest consumer sports and outdoors show has officially opened its doors to the sporting public, as thousands of show-goers from Pennsylvania and beyond flock to Harrisburg’s Farm Show Complex this week for the hottest ticket in town.
The NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show runs Saturday, February 6ththrough Sunday, February 14th, boasting more than 1,100 hunting, fishing and outdoor sports exhibitors and upwards of 200 exciting events, contests and educational seminars for attendees to enjoy. The GAOS celebrates the outdoor traditions treasured by millions of Americans and their families by offering a wide variety of exhibitors, including shooting manufacturers, guides and outfitters, boat and RV dealers, hunting and fishing retailers, wildlife artists, public service agencies and much more.
As usual, this year’s show includes a full menagerie of well-known celebrities such as country music sensation Justin Moore, WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Duck Dynasty’s Phil and Jase Robertson.
Other special guests include professional archer and trick shooter Chris Brackett, nine-time UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes, husband and wife hunting duo Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, bass fishing legend Mike “Ike” Iaconelli, and Full Metal Jacket’s famous Gunny, R. Lee Ermey.
The show’s official mobile app, “GAOS 2016,” is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The free app provides users with helpful, around the clock information to plan their personalized show experience. Features on “GAOS 2016” include an exhibitor list, floor plans of the 650,000 square feet of exhibition space, an events schedule, new products and product categories, directions, up-to-the-minute show notifications, and more. Users may also create a list of favorite exhibitors, plan an agenda of seminars, and take notes for quick reference.
Anglers interested in picking up some professional advice should make their way to the massive 2,500 gallon fish tank in the Fishing Hall featuring live demonstrations with audience participation or register for Bass University- the perfect opportunity to probe the minds of pro anglers on lures, tackle and fishing tactics.
Archers can compete for cash prizes at the 3D Bowhunter Challenge, while sporting dog owners can enter their four-legged companions in the canine aquatics competition, Dock Dogs, in the Large Arena. Attendees can also choose from more than 200 seminars and demonstrations by the country’s top experts on hunting, fishing, trick shooting and home defense. “Our goal is to make each year’s Great American Outdoor Show better than the last, and we're very excited about all the fun events and activities attendees can experience in 2016,” said NRA General Operations Executive Director Kyle Weaver. “There’s so much to do that you just can't see it all in one day.”
Shooters of all ages have the opportunity to learn the basics of the fastest-growing shooting sport at the NRA Sports 3 Gun Experience. The interactive area utilizes Airsoft technology to safely showcase all the skills one needs for a match, while an Air Gun Range features safe shooting at hundreds of unique targets with instruction from NRA Range Safety Officers.
But there’s plenty of family friendly activities geared specifically toward kids too. Families can enjoy face painting, Bulls-eye Darts, Safe Archery, wildlife identification, magnetic fishing, a laser shooting gallery and more at the Family Fun Zone. Additional show activities for kids include the Kids Casting Contest and a Kids Trout Pond with real fish. The Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, a non-profit organization of writers, artists, photographers, broadcasters, telecasters, lecturers and other persons dedicated to outdoor communications will host the 32nd Annual Sportsmen's Auction to benefit youth educational projects on Sunday, February 14that 1:00pm in the second floor Erie Room above the Small Arena.
Scores of show exhibitors donate items for this auction throughout the week, so it’s a great opportunity to pick up some quality hunting and fishing merchandise, guided trips, wildlife prints and assorted outdoor items for a reasonable price. Best of all, the proceeds benefit a terrific cause, so please consider supporting POWA in their efforts this year.
Attendees are encouraged to like the GAOS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreatAmericanOutdoorShow or follow along on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NRA_GAOSfor the latest show news and exclusive photos. For additional information or to purchase pre-sale admission tickets, visit www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.
Show Times:
Saturday, February 6th: 9am - 7pm
Sunday, February 7th: 10am - 5pmMonday, February 8ththrough Friday, February 12th: 10am - 7pm
Saturday, February 13th: 9am - 7pm
Sunday, February 14th: 10am - 5pm
Ticket pricing:
Adult One Day - $13.00
2 Day Pass - $22.00
Children (6-12) - $6.00
Seniors (65+) - $11.00
Group (10 minimum) - $11.00
2 Day Pass - $22.00
Children (6-12) - $6.00
Seniors (65+) - $11.00
Group (10 minimum) - $11.00
Purchase or upgrade your NRA membership and get a free show ticket.
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