Popular annual outdoor expo is this weekend in north Phoenix

PHOENIX – Tens of thousands of outdoors experts and newbies are expected to attend the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual expo this weekend in north Phoenix.

“There’s exhibits, presentations, demonstrations for people of all ages and all outdoor skill levels, anywhere from beginners to skilled outdoor enthusiasts,” agency spokesman Tom Cadden told KTAR News 92.3 FM this week.

Parking and admission are free for the family-friendly event at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, located at 4044 W Black Canyon Blvd., near Interstate 17 and Carefree Highway.

“There’s a nominal charge for ammunition at some of the shooting venues, and there are different concessionaires that will have food and beverages for sale,” Cadden said.

The expo’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Cadden said the “amAZing Wildlife” tent, with hawks, reptiles, small mammals and other critters, has been one of the expo’s most popular attractions.

“People can see live wildlife, and they can learn about wildlife conservation and natural history from biologists and other experts,” he said.

The hands-on activities include the Lake Paddlemore kayaking pond, target archery, a firearms range and a catch-and-release fishing tank.

Game and Fish held its first outdoor expo in 2004 and drew about 1,000 visitors with about a dozen exhibitors, Cadden said.

Last year’s event was attended by more than 40,000 people and featured more than 150 exhibitors, from government agencies to retail vendors.

“Weather’s supposed to be great, so come on out,” Cadden said. “We hope to draw a big crowd.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.

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