Richard Froese
South Peace News
The 22nd annual High Prairie Gun and Sportsman Show returns April 26-27 with three venues full of displays.
“We have another full house of vendors,” says Darrell Basarab, longtime chair of the organizing committee of the High Prairie Fish and Game Association.
More that 150 exhibitors at more than 400 tables will showcase their products and services.
“It’s a show for recreation and fun – something for everyone,” Basarab says.
The popular show will feature at least 50 exhibitors each in the gun room at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre, the Artisans’ Market in the curling rink and causeway and in the Sports Palace.
Exhibitors will feature a variety of products and services, from hunting and fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities and all-terrain vehicles to clothing, businesses and home and garden, to community groups, organizations and home-based businesses and arts and crafts.
“We’ve got many new exhibitors and they’re coming from farther away, like Saskatchewan, Osoyoos and the West Coast in B.C.,” Basarab says.
“We’ve sold out the past nine shows,” Basarab adds.
The show will open April 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 27 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.
Demand from exhibitors continues to grow.
“I think we’ve been sold out earlier than ever – for about two months and we have a waiting list of more than 20.”
He’s also optimistic the event will again draw high attendance.
“We’re expecting another big crowd.”
Last year’s event attracted well over 5,000 (close to a record high) he notes, although organizers do not keep an accurate number of people who attend.
“We have one of the best facilities north of Edmonton for such an event, with three large venues,” Basarab says.
It’s more than a show, he says.
People can get hands-on with the merchandise and products.
He says the show is also a good time for people to get out to a community event after a long winter.
Over the years, the event has become one of the biggest gun and sportsman shows in the province and growing more popular, centrally located in northern Alberta.
The popular gun raffle will also return where three guns will be given away.
A banquet with a barbecue supper is scheduled for April 26 at the Edmo Peyre Hall at the High Prairie Pro Rodeo Grounds.
“We use that as our opportunity to thank all our sponsors and volunteers,” Basarab says.
“Without that support, we wouldn’t be able to host the gun show.”
For more information, phone Basarab at (780) 507-0051 or email to hpfishandgame@hotmail.com.
Anyone wishing to volunteer, may phone Deanna Basarab at (780) 536-7495.