There are good Outdoors shows to attend in January and February in the suburbs
I fondly recall the "good old days" of my youth when one of the highlights of my year was attending the huge outdoors show that was held annually at the International Amphitheater on Chicago's South Side.
It was a phenomenal exhibit of all things hunting and fishing, filling the hall with booth after booth. The host and emcee for the event was John Bromfield. Bromfield was a movie and television cowboy who rode into the show's hall on his white stallion. One of the show's most popular attractions was Victor the Wrestling Bear. Victor wore a muzzle while going mano a mano with anyone who dared to try to take him on. I don't think Victor was ever pinned.
The South Side extravaganza eventually went out of business, only to be replaced by a series of shows in Rosemont. None of the new shows had the size, splendor or glitz that the Amphitheater show did. The shows kept shrinking in size and attendance.
A few years ago, a new show was established in the suburbs at the Schaumburg Convention Center. The show appeared promising. It was moderately successful and grew until it fell victim to the dreaded COVID-19 virus, causing its cancellation.
Well, the show came back last year and showed promise. It's back again for 2024, as the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoors Expo, and I have very high hopes for its success. The show promises a comprehensive collection of exhibitors offering fishing tackle, boats, motors, guides, clubs, vacation destinations and so much more. This show will feature free seminars from some of the best anglers on the planet. I won't miss this one.
Schaumburg may be the biggest show, but it is not the only show available for outdoors aficionados to attend. The array of shows available is deep. There are shows that specialize in boats, shows for canoeists, recreational vehicle and camping shows, a deer hunting show and so many more.
There are so many shows happening between now and the spring that it would be impossible to preview them all. I'd like to mention a couple of shows so you can make sure to add them to your calendars and not miss them.
The Chicago Boat Show at McCormick Place kicks off show season Jan. 10-14. This is a show that features boats of all sizes. I'm mainly interested in fishing boats, but who can resist the opportunity to walk through yachts that have seven-figure price tags?
Jan. 19-21 are the dates that Muskie Expo Chicago comes to the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. Anyone who fishes for the legendary "fish of ten thousand casts" must attend this show. I call it the testosterone show because the show's hallways are usually filled with large guys who look like they could catch muskies with their bare hands. Don't be intimidated. The show draws plenty of women and children, too.
The aforementioned Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Outdoors Expo takes place at the Schaumburg Convention Center Jan. 25-28. I'll give you all the details as the date draws nearer.
Feb. 1-4 are the dates for the All-Canada Show at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles. The Canadian border is wide open again and this show features resorts, camps and outfitters of all varieties. You can check out vacation spots that are family affordable all the way up to trip-of-a-lifetime destinations at this show.
I'll be at all of the shows, so if you see me, please say "hello."
• Daily Herald Outdoors columnist Steve Sarley can be reached at sarfishing@yahoo.com.