Want to explore the outdoors? Here's where the Erie RV & Sport Expo can help

Erie Times-News
·3 min read

Two smaller outdoor shows joined forces last year to offer one large event in Erie.

After a successful first year of that experiment, the Erie RV & Sport Show Expo returns this year, running Friday through Sunday at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, near Presque Isle Bay.

"We combined it due to COVID, and because of the success we decided to continue it," said show promoter Mark Concilla of Erie Promotions and Expos Inc. "We added retriever training this year, and we're excited to have the powersport pavilion back."

Last year: Erie RV & Sport Show Expo to offer a little bit of everything outdoors this weekend

The three-day event will include several vendors showcasing outdoor vehicles and products, as well as fishing and hunting displays, demonstrations and seminars.

A large room will be filled with RVs, campers and motorhomes from three regional dealers — Boyer, Fame and Ray Wakley's.

Because of inventory and supply-chain issues, the off-road vehicles were not part of the event a year ago. This year, several dealers will have displays of all-terrain vehicles, four-wheelers and motorcycles.

Other outdoors shows: Shopping for an RV, outdoor equipment or an e-bike? Here are some shows to visit.

"The whole back northern part of the convention center will include powersports. They will also have a couple booths spread out in the building," Concilla said.

Off-Road Express, Warren Powersports, Bintelli of Westfield, Bobcat of Erie and Lake Erie eBikes are among the powersports dealers.

What type of exhibits will be there?

About 70 exhibitors are scheduled to be at the expo. Along with the variety of vehicles — including golf carts — on display, there will be wildlife exhibits, fishing and hunting gear and accessories, and concessions.

Some of the exhibitors include the following:

  • Retriever training: For dog lovers, there will be retriever training demonstrations from Sundance Retrievers of Cranesville. Sheryl Sundean and her team will demonstrate and offer tips on choosing and training Labrador retrievers for hunting in the field and playing at home.

  • For kids: Smokey Bear will be on hand to take pictures with kids from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. There will be a youth archery exhibit from Erie County Christian Bowhunters to teach kids how to safely shoot a bow, plus Pheasants Forever will be on hand to teach BB gun safety.

  • Wildlife habitat: Stacy Wolbert, a biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will offer a seminar on managing the wildlife habitat on private property to benefit game and non-game species of wildlife. Game wardens and biologists from the PGC will be accessible during the weekend to answer any questions.

  • Wildlife management: Lane Potts from PennVet, a wildlife futures program based at the University of Pennsylvania, will host a conversation on wildlife diseases in Pennsylvania and current management practices.

  • Fishing and boating: Representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will have an exhibit and will be available to discuss new rules and regulations for the upcoming season.

  • Antler scoring: Buck hunters can bring in their antlers to get an official Boone and Crocket score. The vendor asks those who want their rack scored to call ahead for scheduling at 724-650-7791.

How much does it cost?

Tickets are $7 at the door and $6 online for everyone over 10 years old. Kids 10 and under are free, as is parking. Visitors can go online to erierv.com to purchase advance tickets.

The website also includes a map of the attractions and schedule of the seminars. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

"I'm very optimistic about (attendance)," Concilla said. "The weather forecast looks good, and we just came through the (Erie Auto Show) back to 2019 attendance numbers. With that said, we expect pre-COVID draws of about six-to-eight thousand people this weekend."

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie RV & Sport Expo runs Friday through Sunday with new additions