NRA President Allan Cors presided over the official ribbon-cutting ceremony announcing the official opening of the 2016 Great American Outdoor Show. Cors recognized the $73 million impact the GAOS has on the region, as the show continues to grow each year. Additionally, he said the NRA has contributed $100,000 over the past two years to great causes in central Pennsylvania.
In his introductory remarks, Director of NRA General Operations Kyle Weaver said the Great American Outdoor Show is a winter staple for sportsmen to celebrate their passion for the outdoor lifestyle. "We work hard to create a fresh experience at each year's show and we can't wait to show off our new events, activities, and all the big names we invited starting this weekend." He announced that more than 175,000 attendees from almost all 50 states, as well as 1,000 exhibitors from around the world would make up the attractions at the GAOS this year. Weaver also welcomed and thanked Justin Moon with Kahr Firearms Group (below), Pennsylvania’s newest gun manufacturer, after the company recently relocating operations from New York.
Dock Dogs is one of the new exhibits attendees can enjoy at the Great American Outdoor Show.
The show sprawls over 650,000 square feet of the complex, featuring nearly 1,100 hunting, fishing, shooting sports, archery, boating, RV, and outfitter exhibits; more than 200 outdoor seminars and demonstrations; daily celebrity appearances; and more than a dozen special events and contests.
Highlights of the 2016 show include NRA Country Presents: Justin Moore & LOCASH, the third annual NRA Foundation Banquet, UnMuzzled: Phil Robertson Talks God, Guns, and Country, and the NRA Foundation's Wall of Guns. Additional activities include the Family Fun Zone, NRA 3-Gun Experience, Pyramyd Air Air Gun Range, 3D Bowhunter Challenge, Kids Trout Pond, Bass University and more.
Parking for the Great American Outdoor Show may be accessed at the Farm Show Complex and several nearby lots, including the Harrisburg Mall, which provide free shuttle service during regular show hours.
Purchase tickets to the Great American Outdoor Show and see a complete list of events at greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.