As spring officially settles in around the mountains of West Virginia and local sportsmen prepare for their respective outdoor excursions, a brand-new hunting and fishing attraction is gearing up to serve the region.
The Almost Heaven Hunting and Fishing Expo is April 8 and 9 at the Phil Gainer Community Center in Elkins. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Community Center, which is operated by the Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission (EPRC).
The two-day attraction is set for 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on April 8 and Noon – 5:00 p.m. on April 9 and will feature fun for the whole family. Cost of admission is $3 – children 12 and under are free. The event will include a silent auction – along with a door prize to be given away on each day of the event.
“This is the first year that the Almost Heaven Hunting and Fishing Expo has been offered. We have been working steadily on the logistics of the Expo through the winter months and are excited to see it come to fruition as a valuable event for the people of Elkins and the surrounding area. We’d love to see people come out to support the Expo, have a great time, and help turn this into an annual event” EPRC Director Tom Tesar said.
Elkins Fordland/ Elkins Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is serving as showcase sponsor and will display a selection of new vehicles that are offered at the local dealership.
“This region is rich in hunting and fishing culture – and these traditions span generations,” Phil Gainer Community Center Manager Chris Lee said. “This event will give vendors from outside the region an opportunity to display their products in a new and receptive market during an attraction that locals and visitors – of all ages — will enjoy.”
The 10,000 square foot main hall will be full of vendors selling a variety of different sportsman products and informative displays manned by representatives from various government agencies. But there will be something for the whole family to enjoy at the Almost Heaven Hunting and Fishing Expo. Attractions include an inflatable BB-gun range, an indoor “hover ball” archery range, and an outdoor “archery tag” game – weather permitting.
Saturday will feature a Birds of Prey display and presentation from the staff of the West Virginia Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Visit the Community Center on Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for an up-close experience with these magnificent creatures.
A variety of speakers will be scheduled in the classroom throughout the course of the two-day event, where they will present different programs or demonstrate products. Concessions will be available.
A schedule of speakers and list of participating vendors will be publicized before the event via the Community Center’s facebook page. For additional information, contact the Phil Gainer Community Center by calling 304-635-7151 or emailing elkinsrec@gmail.com.
