CARLISLE, PA – History was made during the first full weekend of September as Carlisle Events hosted the first-ever Carlisle Sports & Outdoor Nationals (September 6-8) at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.
The weekend, billed as all-new and all-interactive was just that, allowing thousands of guests the chance to not only experience the show but to be part of it too.
From demonstrations to seminars, displays to competitions, the weekend had it all and everyone onsite was thrilled with what was presented.
Friday opened the weekend and as the last of the vendors were setting up, the first of the guests were stepping on grounds. Fun and excitement were major themes of the entire weekend and the action started quickly with the NRA and its Great American Hunters Tour within Building T. On display were amazing trophies of varying size as well as representatives from the company. Building T also hosted a sold out vending base that carried products ranging from scents to apparel and everything in between.
The Carlisle Expo Center, just a block from the grounds, housed a gun show and nearly one hundred vendors too. Throughout the day and weekend for that matter, guests were able to experience seminars ranging from fly tying to gun safety. There were also hunting dog demonstrations and survival discussions. Local powersports retailers were onsite as well, allowing enthusiasts the chance to demo ride some of the newest equipment on the market.
Family was the name of the game too and more than any other event at Carlisle in 2013, the weekend welcomed many kids and families onsite. Those enthusiasts of all ages experienced additional activities like calling championships, an 18th century living history encampment, and cabin building demonstrations.
The grounds also hosted hundreds of vendors, both indoors and outside, allowing enthusiasts to browse products and deal directly with the seller. Yet another popular attraction was the National Guard’s military vehicle display. The display included multiple machines and a rock wall for climbing. There was also a Howitzer Cannon which served as a good center of the grounds landmark throughout most of the event.
Additional popular attractions were the 3D Archery Shoot presented by the National Wild Turkey Federation and Cabela’s, fun shoot, also backed by the NWTF, Lumberjack Show of Champions and the Bawana Jim’s Wildlife Show. The event wrapped with the PA Outdoor Writers Youth Benefit Auction as well as the announcement of the 2013 Ford Raptor giveaway. Money was earned through the auction to further benefit youth programs within the state and the Raptor went to Melissa Hannigan of York, Pennsylvania.
Ultimately, Carlisle Events would like to thank all of those who helped make the weekend a success. Hundreds of vendors, groups and individuals helped bring this event to life and space simply doesn’t allow all of them to be named. Rest assured, everyone is appreciated and the event could not have happened without the help of everyone involved. Thank you and please plan for next year’s event.
Speaking of next year, Sports and Outdoor enthusiasts are also encouraged to save the date because the 2014 event is already in the planning stages. The second annual Carlisle Sports & Outdoor Nationals will take place September 5-7, 2014 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and should welcome back many of the same great guests and activities that helped make the initial offering so popular.
About Carlisle Events: Carlisle Events is a partner or producer of 14 annual collector car, truck, motorcycle and outdoor-themed events. Events are held at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds (Carlisle, PA), Bloomsburg Fairgrounds (Bloomsburg, PA), Allentown Fairgrounds (Allentown, PA) and Festival Park (Zephyrhills, FL). The season schedule hosts a sports and outdoors event, five automotive swap meets of varying size, four auctions, as well as individual specialty shows featuring Corvettes, Fords, GMs, Chryslers, trucks, imports and kit cars and tuner and modern customs. Founded in 1974 by friends Bill Miller and Chip Miller, events hosted at Carlisle attract more than a half a million enthusiasts annually from all corners of the globe. More information is available via www.CarlisleEvents.com.