JOHNSTOWN – Stuffed bears, guns, fishing lures, and snowshoes are just of the few of the items that can be found at the 11th Annual Adirondack Outdoors Show that started Saturday at the Johnstown Moose Family Center. The show continues today 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Organizer Mike Hauser said the subzero air and dry forecast brought many more people to the popular event. He said within the first two hours, more people had walked through the doors than on the entire first day of the 2015 show. With the Arctic air keeping many off snowmobile trails and away from fishing spots, many headed indoors to check out what equipment, tips and trips the show had to offer.
“If the first two hours of the show are any indication, the cold has helped us,” Hauser said.
This year, the show has put a focus on hands-on experiences for attendees. From making your own lures to lifting an eight-pound canoe, Hauser said attendees can look forward to doing as well as looking.
Randy Hill and Ed Lugdon of Lugdon Lake in Eagle Lake, Maine were at the show for the fifth time. Both men said they enjoyed coming down to Fulton County for the show and said they enjoy the people they meet at the event and around the area.
“[Hauser] puts his heart and soul into this. We really enjoy it here,” he said.
Michael Horstman of Kodiak Island in Alaska has been coming to the show for four years, stopping at a Harrisburg Penn. show before heading up to New York. With his dog at his feet, Horstman said he enjoyed the caliber of people the show brings in, and said he made the cost of his table his first 15 minutes at the show.
“It draws a big crowd of people from all around to do this show,” Horstman said.
Hauser said his goal is to impress the outdoor expert. He said if he can impress them, then he will also be able to impress the novice.
Hauser also tries to get young people interested in outdoor sports through the event by making it free for kids to enter. Exhibitor John Anadio was handing out fishing lures to children who stopped by his table.
Anadio, who was at the show for the first time, was also appraising vintage fishing lures, and said he had one appraisal come in at $3,000.
Walking among the booths, Hauser pointed out a row of authors, each one speaking with show attendees. Hauser said one of the things the show tries to do is connect people who are knowledgeable about the area with those who are looking to get out.
“Even if the people don’t buy anything, they still love to talk to them,” Hauser said.
The event continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Johnstown Moose Club. For more information about the show go to www.adkshow.com.
