For immediate release
Contact: Henri Boucher, show producer
Adam Starr, show manager
800-328-6550
ShowSpan announces its 2009 outdoor sport show schedule
GRAND RAPIDS: ShowSpan, Inc., Michigan’s largest producer of consumer shows, today announced 2009 dates for its six major sport shows in the Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing markets. The lineup includes shows for anglers, boaters, hunters, conservationists, campers and RV owners.
“It’s a full schedule,” said Henri Boucher, ShowSpan producer, “and once again we’re going all out to bring the best exhibitors, feature attractions and seminar talent to Michigan’s outdoor community.” Boucher added that for the second year, ShowSpan will produce the all-new Outdoorama in Novi, in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Cottage and Lakefront Living show.
“Last year, the public really embraced the concept of two major shows for a single admission,” he explained. “Although each of our shows was highly successful, Outdoorama was a grand-slam home run with patrons turning out in record numbers. We’re excited about repeating that success.”
Here are suggested listings for all six ShowSpan outdoor sport shows for 2009:
The Ultimate Fishing Show—Detroit, January 8 to 11 at Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, is the Midwest’s biggest pure-fishing show in America’s largest freshwater market. More than 150 booths of new rods, reels, lures and other tackle, plus outfitters, lodges, guides and charter fishing destinations are in the show, along with 200 new fishing boats representing 40 brands. Led by Kevin Van Dam, more than 75 free seminars are planned for novice to expert anglers. Special features: 110,000-gallon Lake Ultimate, Shore Lunch Fish Fry, kids Trout Pond and much more. Hours: Thursday, 2 to 9:30; Friday, Noon to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 10 to 5. Admission: $10 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under. Information: www.UltimateFishingShow.com or 800-328-6550.
The 3rd Annual Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show, January 15 to 18 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, is Michigan’s largest RV show with a dozen dealers presenting more than 300 new motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, truck campers and folding camping trailers made by more than 40 manufacturers. Expanded exhibits of RV accessories, campgrounds and travel destinations are included along with seminars, travelogues, an antique camping gear exhibit, and family entertainment. Hours: Thursday, 3 to 9:30; Friday, Noon to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 11 to 6. Admission: $7.50 adults, $3 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under. Information: www.GrandRapidsRVShow.com or 800-328-6550.
The 64th Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show, February 18 to 22 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, is Michigan’s oldest boat show, which began in 1946. More than 40 dealers will present 300 new deck boats, runabouts, family ski and wakeboard boats, motor yachts, fishing boats, pontoons and personal watercraft from 100 manufacturers. Docks, lifts, boating accessories and marine services are in the show along with free seminars, boating lifestyle events, Antique and Classic boat displays and other features. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 3 to 9:30; Friday, 11 to 9:30, Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 11 to 6. Admission: $9 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under. Information: www.GRBoatShow.com or 800-328-6550.
The 36th Annual Outdoorama, February 26 to March 1 at Rock Financial Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, is one of Michigan’s most popular shows for hunters, anglers, campers, boaters, hikers, conservationists, canoeists and wildlife enthusiasts. More than 150 booths of new products and fishing boats, pontoons canoes, kayaks, deck boats, runabouts, and ski and wakeboard boats are in the show. Dozens of free hunting and fishing seminars by national experts are scheduled, along with special appearances by Michigan Outdoors TV hosts. “Big Buck Night,” “Wildlife Encounters” a daily Fish Fry, Trout Pond for kids, and Milt Wilcox’s “Ultimate Air Dogs” are among many special features. The show is held in conjunction with the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show, providing the public with two major shows for one admission. Hours: Thursday and Friday, 2 to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 9; Sunday, 10 to 5. Admission: $10 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under. Information: www.Outdoorama.com or 800-328-6550.
The 14th Annual Lansing Boat & Fishing Show, March 12 to 15 at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Lansing, is mid-Michigan’s biggest boat and fishing show with area dealers bringing more than 100 new fishing boats, ski boats, pontoons and other family fun watercraft. Fishing tackle, boating accessories, guided fishing trips and adventure vacation destinations are in the show. Free fishing seminars, daily Fish Fry, the Trout Pond, Virtual Fishing Simulator and family entertainment are other attractions. Hours: Thursday and Friday, 2 to 9:30; Saturday, 10 to 7; Sunday, 10 to 5. Admission: $8 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under. Information: www.LansingBoatandFishingShow.com or 800-328-6550.
The 64th Annual Ultimate Sport Show—Grand Rapids, March 19 to 22 at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, is one of America’s largest and longest-running outdoor shows. More than 350 exhibitors include 100-plus fishing tackle vendors, hunting gear, new fishing boats and 100 or more outfitters, lodges, guides, charter fishing and adventure-travel destinations throughout North America and abroad. Led by Kevin VanDam, more than 100 non-stop fishing and hunting seminars occur on four stages, including the 110,000-gallon Lake Ultimate. Special features: Milt Wilcox’s “Ultimate Air Dogs,” MUCC’s “Big Buck Night,” the Trout Pond, antique sporting goods displays, carvings by the Woodland Woodcarvers. Statewide competition by the Michigan Taxidermists Association offers hundreds of mounts for free viewing. Hours: Thursday, 3 to 9:30; Friday, 11 to 9:30; Saturday, 9 to 9; Sunday, 10 to 5. Admission: $9 adults, $4 children 6 to 14, free for children 5 and under. Information: www.UltimateSportShow.com or 800-328-6550.
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