In the 27 years since its inception, the Annual Sudbury Sportsman Show has progressed and evolved, attracting more visitors, presenters and commanding more floor space.
The Sudbury Sportsman Show opens today and runs this
Saturday and Sunday at the Garson Arena and Community Centre.
Sportsman Shows producer Darren Ceccarelli is enthusiastic
about this year's show.
"This year is going to be a terrific event. We're completely
sold out on the main floor, and we have maybe a couple booths
left in the upstairs hall,"
Ceccarelli said between 8,000 and 12,000 visitors are
expected throughout the weekend.
"We've noticed over the years, people have started bringing
the family out, a lot of husbands and wives come out. At one
time, it was strictly a male thing, now it's more like 50/50.
"It's very family friendly. Everyone in the show has got
something for all ages," he said. 
The 2006 edition of the Sportsman Show also brings some new
products and retailers new to Greater Sudbury enthusiasts, such
as a unique paddle/electric boat from Europe.
"You can paddle them and flip a switch to make them go
electric if you get tired," Ceccarelli said.
The Sportsman Show will also feature a rock climbing wall,
boats for fishing or cruising, ATVs, travel trailers, motor
homes, motorcycles, canoes, fitness equipment, scuba equipment,
hot tubs and more.
Visitors can take in dog retrieving displays, paintball
displays, golf demonstrations and other interactive displays.
There is ample free parking at the event, which runs from 5
pm to 9 pm today, from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, and from 10 am
to 4 pm Sunday.
The show is free for kids under 12 or $5 for general admission. "We have a weekend pass that's $5 for the weekend this year," Ceccarelli said.  "If you can't make that boat purchase or vacation decision the first day, you can come back and make it the next day."
