Outdoor Expo Sets Attendance Records
Congratulations on a well-planned (and attended!) event!
From AZGFD:
Game and Fish Outdoor Expo shatters attendance records
The numbers are in—and the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2008 Outdoor Expo drew a record 26,000 people, far exceeding last year’s attendance of 17,000.
More than 18,000 people visited on Saturday, March 29 and 8,000 on Sunday, March 30. The event was held at the 1,600-acre Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, a world-renowned five-star range that is listed as a Phoenix Point of Pride.
“Feedback has been tremendous,” said Ty Gray, assistant director for information and education for Arizona Game and Fish. “People enjoyed the new event layout and the expanded activities.”
Activities were concentrated in four different locations throughout the Ben Avery range and included the chance to try out firearms from different manufacturers, shoot a bow and arrow, view live wildlife, test-drive off-highway vehicles, explore an outdoor education nature trail, learn about boating safety, attend outdoor workshops, and catch a fish at the kids’ catch-and-release fish tank.
Visitors also had a chance to interact with more than 150 exhibitors, including conservation organizations, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.
In a first for the Expo, the department held a “Youth Day” on Friday, March 28. About 600 pre-registered children and 200 adults and chaperones attended the event, which focused on wildlife and conservation education.
Gold sponsors of the 2008 Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo were Sportsman’s Warehouse, the Weatherby Foundation, and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter. Silver sponsors were Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Lincoln Property Company and Sundt.
Next year’s Outdoor Expo will be held March 28-29, 2009, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. Organizations wishing to be sponsors or vendors can call Event Coordinator Tristanna Bickford at (623) 236-7241.
To view photos of the 2008 Outdoor Expo, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo and click on the “2008 Expo Photos” button.
