Big outdoor show goes for ‘wow factor’
In the doldrums of winter, the huge outdoor show coming this week to Rosemont — filled with fishing rods, boats, even a lake and log cabins — is a welcome reminder of warm days to come.
Organizers of America’s Outdoor Show also hope that this year, it has enough of a “wow factor” to lure kids away from their electronic cocoons. It’s twice as big as last year, with more than 600 booths stretched across 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, and there are numerous activities for youth. Most exhibits at the event, running Wednesday through Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, are free and hands-on.
Children can try casting with the pros from Trout Unlimited, or paddle a kayak in the 100,000-gallon “lake” created just for the show.
Members of the Chicago Carpenters’ Union will help youngsters build a wood duck house or toolbox.
High school bass fishing teams will compete in casting for accuracy. And show attendees can watch hunting dogs go through their paces in obedience training.
Bass Pro fisherman Kevin VanDam will spin around in his Nitro Performance boat on the indoor lake. He heads up a lineup of seminar speakers that show officials say is their best in 15 years. They include Babe Winkelman, Al Lindner, Jim Lindner, Spence Petros, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, and Darrell Baker, a hunting and fishing guide from Antioch.
“We’ve been working really hard and got some great ideas for the show this year,” says Jim Grandt, an Arlington Heights resident and custom fishing rod designer, serving as show director.
“Our big emphasis will be on water sports and boats,” Grandt adds, “but we’re not losing focus of our bread and butter, which is fishing and hunting.”
The Custom Rods by Grandt booth will feature more than 4,000 pieces, while retailers like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops will offer a variety of fishing and camping gear, and even ATVs.
The show also will have its usual displays, including thousands of fishing rods, lures and tackles, as well as the newest reels, fish locaters and trolling motors, all explained by their manufacturers.
“It’s a throwback to some of life’s most precious gifts,” says show owner Jim Sugarman, “namely fishing, hunting, and camping with families.”
Sugarman says those in the outdoor industry feel as though they have lost a whole generation of kids to computers and video games. Consequently, the show’s mission this year, is to “inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
“We’re hoping the show offers enough of a ‘wow factor,’” Sugarman adds, “that kids turn off their cell phones and tune into the outdoors.”
America’s Outdoor Show
When: 2-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, through Friday, Jan. 28; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30.
Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont.
Tickets: $15; $10 with fishing and hunting club member ID; $5 with high school and college fishing team member ID; free for 14-under, active military, youth Scouts in full uniform.
Visit: americasoutdoorshow.com