Veterans, military and first responders get in free Friday, guns, retriever competitions and free kids’ fishing tourney are new additions
The 45th annual Louisiana Sportsman Show, presented by Shell, will be held in LaPlace from March 28-30 and will feature indoor and outdoor exhibits from some of the biggest vendors in the Southeast.
But that’s not all. The show features a large kids’ activity zone, a food court featuring some of the top restaurants in the River Parishes region and free parking. Additionally, the Louisiana Sportsman Show has partnered with The United Cajun Navy and TEAM UP 4 ALL to offer a free kids’ fishing tournament where the first 100 kids to sign up receive fishing rods and tackle packs.
Also new this year are the many retriever demonstrations that will take place at the pond adjacent to the show grounds. Teams from both the Pontchartrain and Amite River Hunting Retriever Clubs will have scenarios set up to demonstrate each dogs’ memory, handling and obedience with all levels of experience. Expect to see dogs picking up triples and running blinds and diversions as well as walk up birds.
Show attendees are invited to bring their dogs to join in the fun since professional trainers will be on hand to answer questions and give tips and pointers to attendees and their dogs.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Wetland Watchers will be available to allow kids — and adults — to view and touch baby alligators, snakes and other reptiles for a unique educational experience. River Parishes chefs will also be on hand for seafood, barbecue, Cajun-inspired dishes and Asian food.
For the first time in decades, the Louisiana Sportsman Show attendees will be able to browse and purchase guns from Apocalypse Sports. Top outdoor brands such as KUIU, Dixie Deer Blinds, Quantum Rack, Osprey Optics and Supplies by RS, Ducktote, Silencer Central, American Flyway Waterfowl, Red River Leather, Warthog Sharpeners, Salter’s Jiggin Pole & Tackle Co. and much more will be on hand to give attendees a first-hand look at their amazing outdoor products.
There is free admission on Friday, March 28, for all members of the armed forces, veterans, police officers, EMS and firefighters.
New location
The Louisiana Sportsman Show is not affiliated with any other outdoor show in the state. Make sure your friends and outdoor companions know the location and dates of the one and only original Louisiana Sportsman Show.
“Louisiana Sportsman was founded in the River Parishes, and we are excited to bring the show to the St. John the Baptist Parish Community Center and the adjacent Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park in LaPlace,” Craig Cuccia, Sportsman Show director, said. “This year, it is more than a weekend focus on sports and boating; it represents resilience. The center was hit hard by Hurricane Ida and faced three years of extensive repair and renovation.”
St. John Parish Capital Projects Director Daron Cooper said that this will be the center’s first event after Hurricane Ida and that the parish looks forward to showcasing their multi-purpose facility along with the economic boost the Louisiana Sportsman Show will provide to the parish.
Cooper added that the facility’s location, large atrium and high-ceiling main auditorium were significant selling points for accommodating the Louisiana Sportsman Show.
“We’re directly in between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, not far from Hammond, at the epicenter of major areas,” he said. “The center is on a main highway with easy access from several directions and lots of room for free parking.”
The Louisiana Sportsman Show will take place at the St. John Community Center and Thomas F. Daley Memorial Park on Highway 51. Show times are Friday, noon-7 p.m., Saturday, 9 am. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Follow the Louisiana Sportsman Show Facebook page or visit the show’s website, LouisianaSportsmanShow.com, for more information.
