It's official. The National Rifle Association will be the new producer of the previously named Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show (known locally as the Harrisburg show), which will now be called the Great American Outdoor Show.
If you recall, this years show in Harrisburg was cancelled after major exhibitors and hundreds of business owners decided to boycott the show after Reed Expositions, who has produced the 65-year old show, would not allow the showing of modern sporting rifles (a/k/a ARs), even after it was initially advertised that there would be a special location where these type rifles would be displayed.
The newly named show will be held February 1-9, 2014 and will be managed by the NRA.
According to Jim Shepherd of the Outdoor and Shooting Wires, "That's quite a message and it should resonate with every outdoor enthusiasts in the region, not to mention the 900,000 NRA members within 300 miles of Harrisburg. The NRA will be inviting its entire membership (5,000,000 and counting) to support the event and the Harrisburg area."
David Keene, NRA President said, "The NRA's deep-rooted heritage in the outdoor lifestyle makes this partnership a perfect fit. Exhibiting in 50 sports shows annually plus producing the NRA convention uniquely positions NRA to deliver a great experience for sportsmen and women across the country. We look forward to expanding this event by inviting national firearm manufacturers to join more than 1,000 hunting, fishing, boating and camping related vendors as well as outfitters from around the world."
If you've ever been to an NRA convention, it's similar in content to the yearly SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) show where practically every firearm manufacturer is present. It's highly probable that the NRA can duplicate this on a lesser scale for the upcoming show in Harrisburg.
According to a press release, the NRA will be adding evening musical performances (maybe Blake Shelton and Zac Brown to name a few avid outdoor sportsmen) speakers and educational information seminars. No firearms sales, but ammunition sales will be allowed. Hopefully, that means there will be ammo available to purchase.
If you're interested in exhibiting at the show, call 866-343-1805 or check
www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.
