HARRINGTON — Anglers, hunters, shooters, campers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages may enjoy the first Delmarva Outdoors Expo April 28-30 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.

When you think of the Delmarva peninsula, you think of the outdoors – hunting, fishing, the state parks and beaches. The area has something for almost everyone.

Darrell Meade, a local business owner and lover of all things outdoors, has wanted to organize an outdoors show in the area that the entire family could enjoy.

“I wanted to do something on the scale of the Harrisburg show for this area, that was for everyone, not just guys in camouflage,” he said. “We have always needed a show like this, primarily because Delmarva has such a wealth of outdoor activities that many haven’t experienced. This expo will bring those experiences to the entire family.”

Among the attractions taking place at the Delmarva Outdoors Expo are the always entertaining Dock Dogs in a three-day competition in a pool on site, an archery competition, Surf Fishing with Rich King of Delaware-Surf-Fishing.com, a gun show featuring many area dealers and a display of old time firearms from Charlie Steel’s gun shop in Harbeson.

Add to that a sportsman’s auction, courtesy of Dave Wilson/Wilson’s Auction Sales to include boats, RVs, ATVs, fishing, camping, archery supplies, and four Delaware State Park Surf Fishing numbered tags!  DNREC and Delaware State Police K-9 Unit are also scheduled to participate in the line-up.

You won’t want to miss the shooting 3D Archery Competition (including youth, female, men’s hunter, and men’s open classes). The top five scores from each class will participate in a shoot off on Sunday. In addition, there will be a NASP 3D shoot for the kids.

This expo is sponsored by Spicer Bros. Construction Co. and WBOC, and includes an impressive array of sponsors and vendors, over 100 in all, consisting of everything from outdoors wear and gear, archery, fishing, charters and tackle supplies, to many food vendors and a craft beer garden featuring local craft beers. To top things off, Spicer Bros., our presenting sponsor, will be bringing in several area renowned chefs to cook on site, and WBOC will be on hand with Outdoors Delmarva to film presentations throughout the weekend.

Other interesting demos to check out will include fly casting by The Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware, surf fishing and casting demos by Rich King (DSF) and Harry Aiken, Hawg Trough’s giant fish tank, area taxidermists displaying their craft, the DNREC Game trailer, Red Mountain Chainsaw carving artists, local Duck Calling champion Finley Jones, 3 Amigos Charters, Breakline Charters and the First State Retriever Club.

Advanced tickets are now on sale for the event.  Daily and weekend passes will also be available at the event (daily are $5 and weekend passes are $10).

However, when tickets are purchased online in advance, receive a bonus of 10 tickets for the Door Prize Drawings (and day passes will receive five tickets for the door prize drawings).

There will be a charter trip valued at over $700 on the Fish Whisperer, as well as a large other variety of prizes throughout the weekend.

To buy your advance tickets visit https://www.eventsprout.com/event/delmarva_outdoors_expo.

For more event information, visit www.delmarvaoutdoorsexpo.com.

Expo hours will be 4-9 p.m. Fruday, April 28, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, April, 29 and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30.