By Todd Masson, Louisiana Sportsman
You’ve never seen an outdoor show like this.
Ever.
On March 9-11, the Louisiana Sportsmen’s Show & Festival will take over the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, and the place may never be the same.
The show will feature more than 200 vendors, many with special show-only deals, and entertainment for the whole family.
Two buildings will be filled with hunting, fishing, camping and farm equipment from exhibitors across the Gulf Coast, with outdoor guides and trip planners available to answer your questions and help you book your dream excursion.
There will also be a giant outdoor display of boats, motors, ATVs and personal watercraft from the area’s leading dealers.
“The big addition to this year’s show is our RV section,” said show director Jack Fisher. “And the boat exhibits are about 50 percent larger than they were last year.
“We’ve also expanded our tractor and lawnmower section.”
The Sportsmen’s Show has no shortage of fun activities for adults and kids alike.
“We’ll have Midway carnival rides, a rock-climbing wall, bungee jumping, a live trout pond, face painting and – back by popular demand – monster truck rides,” said Fisher.
Special events include the inaugural Louisiana Sportsman Open bass tournament, where anglers will vie for a guaranteed 10,000 top prize. The two-day competition, sponsored by Skeeter, Yamaha, Daiwa, SPRO, Gamakatsu and P-Line, will be a two-man team event with the top 20 teams all receiving checks.
“It will be a Bassmaster Classic style weigh-in,” said Fisher. “Teams will enter with their boats on trailers and will walk onto the stage to weigh their fish.”
Participants must pre-register online and attend a captain’s meeting on March 7 at Cabela’s.
The Big Buck Contest returns this year to award prizes to the top scoring deer in seven categories.
A random drawing will also reward one lucky hunter just for entering the contest.
“Bring any scoreable buck, and you’re eligible to win a brand-new Yamaha ATV,” said Fisher.
Hunters will also want to test their skills in the 3D Archery Shoot sponsored by Cabela’s. The outdoor superstore is also hosting a kids’ archery shoot that will feature skilled instructors on-hand to help the youngsters refine their skills.
Those who prefer rifles to sticks and strings will want to participate in the kids’ airgun shoot sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Show attendees will surely want to check out their favorite cable-television celebrities, including R.J. and Jay Paul Molinere of the Swamp People series at the Southern Outdoors booth, and Troy Landry of the same series at the Pro Power booth, as well as stars of History Channel’s hit show Ax Men.
The first-annual Louisiana Sportsman Jambalaya Cook-off will fittingly take place in the “Jambalaya Capital of the World.”
“Locals from the Ascension Parish area will judge the cook-off,” said Fisher.
The Splash Dogs exhibition is not only a dock-diving competition for dogs to test their skills; it’s 100 percent fun for dogs, their owners and everyone watching. Dogs of all breeds are welcome to take part in this great new sport.
“For the dog lovers out there, I think this could be big,” said Fisher. “Bring your dog and let them compete.”
And there’s no reason anyone should leave the show hungry. Local restaurants will be on hand with some fantastic offerings. Guests will also be able to enjoy samples from the Jambalaya Cook-off.
Don’t miss out! Make plans now to be at this year’s show.
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