Outdoor Sporting Expo

Mark your calendars for the big event at Claremore Expo Center February 28 through March 2.

By: Cassie Woods | Category: In Our Communities | Issue: February 2014

Committee members (front row, L to R): Cary Jester, Sarah Sharp, Emily Mahan, Nikki Scalf, (back row) Cindy Bissett, Dell Davis, Brian Callender, Bryan Bradley, Ron Burrows and Brandon Irby.

Lovers of all things outdoors are gearing up for the second annual Outdoor Sporting Expo to be held February 28 through March 2 at the Claremore Expo Center. Organizers expect this show to be of interest to enthusiasts of all ages and outdoor genres.

“We are excited to see this show return to Claremore,” says Ron Burrows, Claremore Expo Center manager. “The Outdoor Sporting Expo is really geared to Oklahomans who enjoy the many great outdoor activities and recreation opportunities that our region provides.”

The Outdoor Sporting Expo will feature over 90,000 square feet of indoor exhibitor space. Exhibitors may apply now by contacting Claremore Main Street or Claremore Chamber of Commerce, or by visiting www.outdoorsportingexpo.com. Exhibitors will have the option of booth or bulk space starting at $150. Spots will be open on a first-come, first-serve basis until full. “Our goal is to provide exhibitors and sponsors with very affordable space so that they can showcase their products and services,” said Burrows. “Attendees will see a variety of products and services that deal with anything outdoors.”

“We are looking for any type of home-based, outdoor exhibitors,” said Cindy Bissett, Claremore Main Street director. “So far these include taxidermy, tying jigs and lures, duck calls, service-related guides, lodges, dog training and more. We even have an exhibitor from Canada coming in who chose this show over the Kansas City show.”

The show will also include exhibitors of RVs and four-wheelers, rods and reels and a golf simulator. Additionally, the Corps of Engineers and GRDA will be on hand to talk about parks, boat safety and ecosystems. “We are also bringing back the archery competition,” said Davis. “Last year there was a huge line and it was a big hit, so this year we will have divisions for both adults and children.”

Committee members have confirmed some great celebrities and seminars for the show. “We are excited that three of our celebrities are confirmed for demonstrations, shows and seminars,” said Bissett. “They include professional bass fisherman Tommy Biffle, world-renowned hunter Roger Raglin and famous alligator wrestler Jimmy Riffle.”

Jimmy Riffle is from the popular Animal Planet series “Gator Boys.” He and his Road Show Crew will perform full gator shows, complete with alligators brought all the way from Florida, on Saturday and Sunday and meet with fans. “We got so many compliments on Jimmy last year that we knew we had to bring him back,” said Bissett. “People were lined up to meet him and get his autograph. He is one of the nicest celebrities we’ve ever worked with, and he is great with the kids.”

Roger Raglin, known as America’s favorite white-tail deer hunter, is a hunting icon. He has traveled the world, produced over 70 full-length hunting videos, holds numerous world records, and has been inducted into the National Outdoor Hall of Fame. He also hosts “Roger Raglin’s Outdoors” exclusively on the Outdoor Channel. This will be Raglin’s first time to do a show in Oklahoma.

Tommy Biffle, a well-known professional bass fisherman, will serve as the show’s featured angler. Biffle has fished the pro-circuit and B.A.S.S. series for over 26 years, is a member of the B.A.S.S. Millionaires and has his own signature bait called “The Biffle Bug.” He also owns Lakeside Polaris in Wagoner.

“A new group, Green Country Fly Fishers out of Bartlesville, will be on hand for demonstration and fly tying," said Davis. “The show will also feature special giveaways, door prizes, The Bass Tank and more.”

This year’s Outdoor Sporting Expo is presented by Claremore Main Street, Claremore Chamber of Commerce and Claremore Expo Center. Show sponsors include GRDA, TTCU, Visit Claremore, Tulsa RV, Suburban Chevrolet and LCA Rising Stars.

The Outdoor Sporting Expo will be open Friday, February 28, from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 per child and senior, and free for kids 10 and under. Saturday morning, the first 100 kids will receive a free tackle pack from Rising Stars. Sunday is half price family day and all tickets will be discounted 50 percent.

For more information, contact