64th Journal Sentinel Sports Show warms up the season March 12-21

EVERYONE WHO DAYDREAMS about hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor activities at this frigid time of year should be sure to attend the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show March 12-21 at Wisconsin State Fair Park's Exposition Center.

For 64 years the Sports Show has heralded the coming of Wisconsin's warm-weather outdoor season. Recognized as Wisconsin's largest indoor consumer show and one of the largest sports shows in the country, the Sports Show provides ten days of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

The Sports Show is held in the Wisconsin Exposition Center on the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds at S. 84th St. and W. Greenfield Ave. The Center has ample parking and is easy to reach, with direct access south of Interstate 94 at the 84th street exit. Just six miles west of downtown Milwaukee, the location is easy to reach by freeway from all directions.

The Sports Show offers a wide range of fishing, hunting, boating and camping exhibits with interactive displays for all those who dream of the great outdoors. Here are just a few of the most-popular Sports Show attractions:

• Decades of kids have been hooked on the Camp YMCA Trout Pond, where they can experience the thrill of the catch. For many youngsters, the Sports Show Trout Pond is their first fishing experience. For parents, it's a wonderful memory of sharing a time-honored Sports Show tradition with their children.
  
  
• You're never up a tree for great entertainment at the Chevy Trucks Main Stage. Perennial favorites back on the main stage again this year will be the Sheer Lumberjacks from Hayward Wisconsin and the Iron Jack Timber Team. Sheer Lumberjacks have competed in international events and have been national champions. This 30-minute show is a great crowd-pleaser, as it features log rolling, tree climbing, ax throwing and sawing.
  
  
• The Flying Air Dogs provide a canine treat at the Sports Show. These hunting dogs display their deft water skills by jumping into a 24,000-gallon tank to retrieve duck decoys. They also compete for distance. The Chevy Trucks main stage tank is also the site of the daily casting competitions and kayak demonstrations.
  
  
• Gander Mountain Seminar Hall is the place to catch the best fishing advice from leading Midwest expert anglers. And if you're looking for the latest and greatest in fishing and hunting gear, don't miss the countless exhibitors at the Gander Mountain Hunting and Fishing Pavilion.
  
  
• Planning a camping or fishing vacation this year? More than 100 lodges, resorts and outfitters from Wisconsin, Canada and as far north as Alaska will be exhibiting their various attractions and amenities in the Discoverwisconsin.com Travel Pavilion.
  
  
• Conservation is always on the minds of true outdoor enthusiasts. The Into the Outdoors Kid's Adventure Pavilion is a great place for kids to learn about conservation with hands-on activities. Daily seminars with naturalists and wildlife experts will talk about nature and conservancy with birds and other wildlife at the Show. There are opportunities for kids to make birdfeeders, try a bow and arrow at the archery range, compete in the Bass Master's Kid's Casting contest, climb the rock wall or test their aim at the BB gun range.

There's much to see and also to win at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show. Register to win a new Polarcraft fishing boat, a Yamaha outboard four-stroke motor and trailer, trips to Wisconsin destinations or a complete camping package.

For a complete listing of daily features, stage schedules and advance ticket outlets, and special admission offers visit the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show Web site at www.onwisconsin.com/sportsshow. In downtown Milwaukee, tickets may be purchased at the Journal Sentinel Public Service Desk, 333 W. State St.

It's a great way to feel like you are in the outdoors – indoors. Remember to purchase advance tickets before the start of the show and save $1.50 on each adult ticket. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.