Journal Sentinel Sports Show one of oldest in U.S.

THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL Sports Show may not have as long a history as Groundhog Day, but for most Wisconsinites it is the real sign of spring.

For 65 years, the Sports Show has been bringing the outdoors indoors in a pre-season peek at eagerly anticipated outdoor adventures, making it one of the longest running shows of its kind in the nation. This year’s show is set for March 11-20 at the Wisconsin Expo Center in Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8100 W. Greenfield Ave.

The show brings together the best in hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor product companies, resorts, lodges, outfitters, boat dealers and outdoor-themed entertainment. It’s the largest outdoor sports show in a state where tourists join residents each year for outdoor adventures.

Planners of the annual show always make sure that the show holds something for veterans of many years of outdoor activities and for those who may be planning their first camping, boating or fishing trip. Manufacturers of equipment of all kinds fill the Expo Center, along with operators of fishing, hunting and camping vacation spots from throughout Wisconsin and the nation.

As it has for most of its 65 years, the show offers big-name entertainment on the Chevy Trucks Main Stage. This year, lumberjacks will battle lumberjills, dogs from the Donnybrook Kennel will perform and trick casters will demonstrate both distance and accuracy. Also on the stage from waters south of Wisconsin will be the Swampmaster’s Gator Show.

Generations of Wisconsin kids have lined up to try their luck at the Sports Show Trout Pond. This year, the Camp YMCA Trout Pond will be at the center of the youth activity area again, along with the ITO Kids’ Adventure Pavilion.

In celebration of its 65th year, the Sports Show also will look back with a collection of photos of previous sports shows and a display of fishing lures dating back 800 years. At the Gander Mountain Seminar Hall, the all-stars of the outdoor industry will appear, led by Al Lindner. Lindner, host of a popular television show, is considered the “Babe Ruth” of modern fishing.

The 10-day show will be open from 2-9 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. Adult admission is $8; children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free. Advance tickets at $6.50 can be purchased at all Wisconsin and northern Illinois Gander Mountain stores, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at the corner of Fourth and State Sts., Tri-City National Banks, Sportsman’s Warehouse in Milwaukee, participating Kmart locations or online at www.jsonline.com/sportsshow. The Web site provides a complete list of advance ticket outlets.