Sportsman’s Show attracts thousands

By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
 PRESQUE ISLE, Maine —  The 2010 Sportsman’s Show, hosted by the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club, was a huge success, according to organizers, attracting thousands to the annual event designed to show off the latest in sporting gear. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages filled Gentile Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle during the two-day show, March 27 and 28.
“There were over 7,000 in attendance over the two-day period. We raised approximately $3,000 for camp scholarships,” said Nick Archer, organizer of the annual exhibition.
Funds raised will help local youth attend conservation camps.
“We are accepting applications for the Maine conservation schools at Bryant Pond and Greenland Point. Interested parties may call 551-8213 or e-mail narcher@maine.rr.com,” said Archer.
Youth activities are a major focus of the show, with a number of vendors and displays geared for those in the teen and pre-teen age group. From archery demonstrations and rock-wall climbing, to air rifles and a fishing pond, complete with live trout, youth visiting the event this year had a number of opportunities to test their skills.
“Free fishing rods were presented to children, to promote the Hooked on Fishing program. Rods were sponsored by TD Bank and Ben’s Trading Post, both Presque Isle businesses,” said Archer.
Dozens of children waited on Saturday and Sunday for their turn at the fishing pond — an exhibit that continues to grow in popularity as more and more children take an interest in the sport.
“We’re delighted with the number of kids that participated. Hooked on Fishing is about getting youth interested in outdoor activities and away from illegal activities like drug use. We’ve had a lot of luck with the program — given out a lot of free fishing poles,” said Curtis Lewin, director of the local Hooked on Fishing program.
Lewin said this year children fishing at the ‘pond’ also learned the valuable life lesson with regard to the ‘circle of life.’
“When the first fish got injured and we knew it wouldn’t survive — the pond is a catch-and-release exhibit — we took it over to Art Howell’s both and fed it to the eagle. The next injured fish was planned for the bear. Nothing went to waste,” said Lewin, noting that instead of the children feeling bad for the fish, they learned another creature would benefit.
In all, about 70 vendors helped make this year’s show a big success. Exhibits included: taxidermists, camps and lodges, the Maine Warden Service, A.E. Howell Wildlife Refuge, sporting good vendors, ATV dealers and more.
“The Presque Isle Fish & Game Club would like to thank all of the Sportsman’s Show sponsors. We would also like to express a special thanks to Dr. Don Zillman and the University of Maine at Presque Isle campus staff for the outstanding support to our clubs’ efforts to represent the traditional Maine outdoors,” said Archer.
Plans are already in the works for next year’s show.