The following recap of the 7th Annual Great American Outdoor Show was issued by show producers at the conclusion of the 2020 show.
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The National Rifle Association hosted the 7th annual Great American Outdoor Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Feb. 1-9, 2020. The show welcomed another record 179,000 outdoors enthusiasts from across the nation.
The 650,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall featured firearms and accessories, archery equipment, fishing products, hunting apparel, boats, recreational vehicles and more. Four-hundred hunting outfitters and fishing charter captains were booking adventures across the U.S. and around the world. Attendees could choose from more than 200 seminars, presented by outdoor experts on a myriad of topics related to the outdoor lifestyle.
“The overwhelming success of this show suggests we are witnessing a rebirth of the great American outdoor traditions upon which our country is built,” said Joe DeBergalis, NRA Executive Director of General Operations. “Americans everywhere want to reconnect with the things that matter most in life, family, friends, and adventure.”
In promoting these points, the Eddie Eagle Kids Zone continued its tradition of engaging children with fun and educational activities, handing out more than 5,000 Eddie Eagle prizes. The Great American Outdoor Show united fans with their favorite celebrities, including Kip Campbell, Eddie Salter, Dr. Grant Woods, Jeremy Critchfield, Jimmy Houston, and Roland Martin.
Nearly 8,000 shooters of all ages took their best shots at the NRA Air Gun range—firing 75,000 airsoft pellet rounds into more than 300 targets. Man’s best friend joined in the fun and made a splash in the DockDogs competition that drew thousands to watch the daily competition. On the expertly landscaped Archery Range, more than 710 shooters competed for trophies and cash prizes in the 3D Bowhunter Challenge and Spot Shoot.
The Friends of NRA Banquet on Feb. 6 raised more than $32,000 to support youth safety training and education programs in Pennsylvania and beyond. The NRA Country Concert showcased the enthusiastic entertainer Chris Janson, with openers Jacob Bryant and Jon Langston on Feb.8.
Next year’s Great American Outdoor Show is scheduled for Feb. 6-14, 2021, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. For the latest information on the Great American Outdoor Show, visit www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org. (Update: The 2021 Great American Outdoor Show was canceled due to Covid-19 and returned in 2022.)
About the National Rifle Association
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. 5.5 million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.