Bakersfield Sportsmen’s Show Set For February
The extremely popular Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat, RV and Outdoor Show to be held at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield from Feb. 26-28.
Promoters are predicting the biggest and best show ever in its 39-year run. Last year’s three-day event drew over 15,000 paid customers to enjoy the largest full-spectrum, outdoors-oriented exposition in the entire San Joaquin Valley.
As the show’s name implies, hunting, fishing, camping and travel remain the main theme of the show, but the list of opportunities and fun things to enjoy doesn’t stop there. Prospective and returning vendors will find plenty of people on hand as they ply their special trades during the gala three-day run.
The popular tractor-pull series will fire up again on February 26, followed the next day by the always popular Super Cruise Car Show, featuring over 200 classic cars on display. For all those with a need for speed, returning for its seventh year is the Bako Sand Drags event throughout the weekend. ATV’s will blast their way down the track, exciting viewers and contestants with their powerful engines and no-nonsense, head-to-head competition.
Once again, the Dock Dogs West Coast Challenge jumping contest will return to dazzle spectators with tall and long canine leaps. Of special interest will be what amounts to be a world jumping championships qualifier, which is big news in the dock dog business. The dogs that finish highest will earn their way on into the Dock Dogs World Championships competition.
Canines are a big part of the show’s events. Field and agility dog demonstrations will highlight several dog trainer kennels attending. Hunting dogs will strut their stuff by ferreting out and pointing gamebirds before a packed crowd.
A huge highlight of the show will be the return of the ever-popular Bass Bin, where genuine whopper bass and other species swim in a tank within inches of curious onlookers. Atop the huge aquarium-like structure, well-known professional bass and other sport fishermen will give interesting and informative seminars on the how-to of fishing for and catching monster fish.
The kids’ trout pond will once again allow children of all ages to catch their very own fish. The exhibit is sponsored by Berkley Fishing Products, Taft Sportsmen’s Club and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and many a child has caught his or her very first fish while angling at the popular location. Lucky juniors can have their pictures taken and fish cleaned there as well.
Fly fishermen will find a beautiful casting pool with fly fishing clubs from Central and Southern California attending. Don’t miss out on one of these fly casting seminars; they will have something for the novice to the expert. There will also be master fly-tying gurus on hand to teach, show and tell all about their favorite patterns.
Other anglers will find several tackle shops on hand along with various representatives from many different rod, reel and tackle manufacturers.
There will be loads of other things to see and do at the show, especially for the younger generations. Kids’ bounce houses and a rock climbing wall will be available, as will laser tag to keep the kids busy while adults venture into the buildings in search of a great deal on fishing trips, quality outdoor products and services, plus a ton of great food.
Mike and Donna Hatcher, promoters of Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat, RV and Outdoor Show, have made arrangements for many recreational vehicle dealerships to have with some incredible deals available. Prospective buyers will find hundreds of RV’s to choose from at incredibly low prices.
With even more new and exciting things to do, this year should be another big winner for vendors and sportsmen and -women alike.
Editor’s note: While the show opens to exhibitors on February 25, 2016, vendors need to know that due to exceptional turnout, space is very limited, so don’t wait and reserve your booth today. Contact mike@calshows.com or call (800) 725-0793 or (661) 809-6123 for more information. California Sportsman is one of the event’s sponsors.
