Sportsmen’s Exposition to go all out(doors) at local event

Hunting, fishing, camping, even the World Elk Calling Championship, are scheduled to be included for one of the nation's largest outdoor sports shows this weekend.

The International Sportsmen's Exposition, which will feature outdoor-related products and activities, is slated for Thursday to Saturday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road. More than 300 companies will offer products and information on wildlife, outdoor sports and travel for a $12 admission fee for adults. Military personnel with a valid I D and children 15 or younger are free.

John Kirk, the exposition's director of communications, said the organization is placing a strong focus on youth at the expo.

"Heritage sports typically have a hard time attracting students," Kirk said. "The outdoors, I believe, is a great way to teach life skills, such as respect, self-reliance and conservation. (These skills are) similar to the Boy Scouts', and we made a very natural partnership with them."

Area Boy Scouts and their leaders are expected to take part in the International Sportsmen's Exposition Scouting Challenge, which involves participating in rock climbing, archery, fishing and shooting-safety activities. Participants will have challenge cards and receive punches for each completed activity. The exposition will donate $1,500 to the troop that returns the most cards.

Brandon Dervishian, Las Vegas Area Council Boy Scouts of America activities director, said the Scouts plan to set up a pinewood derby track and share the fun with youths from Boys Town Nevada. Dervishian said working with the International Sportsmen's Exposition benefits the Scouts more than just financially.

"We're really excited about the partnership with ISE because they're exposing our Boy Scouts to the outdoors," Dervishian said. "I'm happy we're able to set up the pinewood derby track with Boys Town. It's a win-win with everybody involved."

Children from Boys Town Nevada, an organization that provides care to at-risk youths and families, are scheduled to view the expo on a field trip Wednesday before it opens to the public. The exposition and Boys Town Nevada will provide admission discounts to attendees who donate a canned good or household product.

Amanda Gibbs, Boys Town Nevada development director, said having children experience the expo yields learning opportunities.

"Most of (the children) have never been to a show like this," Gibbs said. "It's great to open their eyes to all the outdoor activities, and it shows other things they can do besides playing video games or basketball."

The Nevada Department of Wildlife plans to bring more exclusive activities to children with its Youth Fair at the exposition. The Youth Fair includes 4,500 square feet of interactive exhibits, including fly tying, electronic shooting simulators, a catch-and-release trout pond and opportunities to see and feel animal furs. The organization plans to sell hunting and fishing licenses and have biologists, game wardens and volunteers on hand to answer questions.

Las Vegas is one of five cities to host an International Sportsmen's Exposition this year. It is, however, the only one that will be home to the Rocky Mountain Elk Federation's World Elk Calling Championship. Kirk said it's events such as these, in conjunction with the federation's Elk Camp, which hosts annual member gatherings and auctions, that make Las Vegas an ideal location for a sports expo.

"You have a lot of (outdoor) sports enthusiasts in this region," Kirk said. "Las Vegas is a great city in which to host an expo, and this (event) will introduce outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes to one another."

The expo is scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 360 -693-3700 or visit sportsexpos.com.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.