PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The Sportsman’s Show, held April 5 and 6 at Gentile Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, broke last year’s attendance record by about 1,000 participants, according to organizers. “We had over 7,000 people turn out for this year’s show. Last year’s total was around 6,000, so that’s a considerable increase and reflects the growing interest in sporting activities,” said Nick Archer, co-chair of the event, sponsored by the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club.
Archer said he was particularly pleased to see so many young people at this year’s function.
“We had a lot of kids take part this year. That was our focus. One of the big attractions this year was the fish tank. The Trout Unlimited people came up to show kids how to tie flies and show kids how to fish,” said Archer. “They (Trout Unlimited members) were so impressed with County kids – how polite they were and how easy they were to work with.”
Gage Bubar, who’s almost 4 according to his dad, Bryan Bubar, enjoyed the trip up from their Littleton home to attend the show. The Bubars were just two of many visitors to the fish tank.
“I like to fish,” said Gage Bubar, as he held onto his fishing pole with both hands, taking his eyes away from the fishing for only a second as he spoke.
The Maine Bowhunters Association attracted a steady flow of youth interested in trying their hand at archery.
“We do all the sportsmen shows, like Augusta and others. This year we’ll attend about 20 events – show folks, especially youth, proper techniques, share information on archery,” said Tina Richard, a member of the MBA.
Richard was at the show on Saturday with her husband, Jerome Richard, MBA president, along with Lou Provost, an MBA member. While the men provided hands-on instruction for youth, showing youngsters how to hold a bow and arrow and putting balloons on targets to give participants something to shoot at, Tina answered questions and offered printed materials to those interested in learning more about archery.
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife exhibit saw a lot of activity, with officials busy answering questions and sharing tales throughout the weekend show.
“We (DIFW members) were very busy all weekend. We saw a lot of familiar faces, heard a lot of hunting stories. We like to attend the show to have that one-on-one contact with people – be able to share information and answer questions,” said Sgt. Tom Ward, of the Maine Warden Service.
Archer said this year’s success has created interest for many in making plans for next year’s show.
“We’ve had about 90 percent of this year’s participants request to be signed up for next year,” said Archer. “We’re already making plans for 2009 and hope to see the show continue to grow and improve. Sporting activities are part of Maine’s heritage and a good way to spend time together, whether with family or friends. And we’d like to see interest continue to grow with youth. If we can educate on safety and proper techniques at an early age, it helps prevent accidents and increases enjoyment for all involved.”
Archer said he was particularly pleased to see so many young people at this year’s function.
“We had a lot of kids take part this year. That was our focus. One of the big attractions this year was the fish tank. The Trout Unlimited people came up to show kids how to tie flies and show kids how to fish,” said Archer. “They (Trout Unlimited members) were so impressed with County kids – how polite they were and how easy they were to work with.”
Gage Bubar, who’s almost 4 according to his dad, Bryan Bubar, enjoyed the trip up from their Littleton home to attend the show. The Bubars were just two of many visitors to the fish tank.
“I like to fish,” said Gage Bubar, as he held onto his fishing pole with both hands, taking his eyes away from the fishing for only a second as he spoke.
The Maine Bowhunters Association attracted a steady flow of youth interested in trying their hand at archery.
“We do all the sportsmen shows, like Augusta and others. This year we’ll attend about 20 events – show folks, especially youth, proper techniques, share information on archery,” said Tina Richard, a member of the MBA.
Richard was at the show on Saturday with her husband, Jerome Richard, MBA president, along with Lou Provost, an MBA member. While the men provided hands-on instruction for youth, showing youngsters how to hold a bow and arrow and putting balloons on targets to give participants something to shoot at, Tina answered questions and offered printed materials to those interested in learning more about archery.
The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife exhibit saw a lot of activity, with officials busy answering questions and sharing tales throughout the weekend show.
“We (DIFW members) were very busy all weekend. We saw a lot of familiar faces, heard a lot of hunting stories. We like to attend the show to have that one-on-one contact with people – be able to share information and answer questions,” said Sgt. Tom Ward, of the Maine Warden Service.
Archer said this year’s success has created interest for many in making plans for next year’s show.
“We’ve had about 90 percent of this year’s participants request to be signed up for next year,” said Archer. “We’re already making plans for 2009 and hope to see the show continue to grow and improve. Sporting activities are part of Maine’s heritage and a good way to spend time together, whether with family or friends. And we’d like to see interest continue to grow with youth. If we can educate on safety and proper techniques at an early age, it helps prevent accidents and increases enjoyment for all involved.”
