Frigid February is prime time for reconnecting with hunting buddies and planning that next big adventure, and this time of year there is nothing bigger than the 2014 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 1-9. As the largest outdoor show nationwide, it will draw tens of thousands of mainstream American hunters and their families to the city’s Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in the name of our cherished hunting and outdoor traditions.
Formerly known as the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, the event came to a screeching halt on Jan. 24, 2013, when show owner and promoter Reed Exhibition “postponed” it indefinitely nine days before it opened. The reason? The NRA and 350 other exhibitors and outdoor personalities announced they were boycotting the show after Reed’s decision to ban the sale and display of modern sporting rifles and high-capacity magazines at the event. Fortunately, NRA wasn’t about to allow this esteemed show go by the wayside. Now owned and operated by NRA, the newly named Great American Outdoor Show returns to Harrisburg this month for its traditional nine-day run. Attendees will navigate a 650,000-sq.-ft. exhibit hall housing nearly 1,000 exhibitors from firearm and archery manufacturers to makers of hunting and fishing gear, outfitters, outdoor retailers and wildlife artists, as well as a new shooting sports section replete with modern sporting rifles.
The exhibit hall alone is reason enough to attend, but then there are the special events. Who wouldn’t enjoy NRA Country concerts, celebrity appearances, product demonstrations, archery competitions, seminars, a Friends of NRA banquet and more? For more good news, NRA reduced admission prices to $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65 or older) and $6 for children (ages 6-12). Multi-day and group passes are also available. To purchase tickets or find out more, visit GreatAmericanOutdoorShow.org or call (866) 343-1805.
