Obviously, this is the week for the big show, America's Outdoor Show at the Stephens Center in Rosemont, but there are options in week three for outdoor shows around Chicago.
That was part of the view while I sat in the Heartland Outdoors booth yesterday at America's Outdoor Show. That's the booth where I will be much of Saturday.
But I gave my opening day view earlier today of the show, which runs through Sunday. Very simply, this is the big show for the year. It is worth seeing.
Strictly Sail Chicago opens today at Navy Pier and runs through Sunday. I usually make this at least briefly, not so sure this year.
Illinois Fish & Feather Expo is at the Interstate Center in Bloomington Friday through Sunday. I have not been to this show, and won't be this year either.
The complete list of remaining shows is below. I included two collectible shows, one long-running flea market and some of the shows on fringes of the Chicago area.
And that is no mistake, both the place and dates for the Illinois Deer & Turkey Classic were moved.
If you have suggestions or additions, please post below or e-mail straycasts@sbcglobal.net.
COMING UP:
Feb. 5-6: Great Outdoors Show, Best Western Timber Creek, Sandwich
Feb. 12-13: Tinley Park Fishing & Outdoors Show, Tinley Park High School
Feb. 13: Henry Decoy Show, Henry-Senachwine High School, (309) 364-4104 or bbauter@mchsi.com
Feb. 16-20: Chicago RV & Camping Show, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont
Feb. 18-20: Our World-Underwater, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont
Feb. 26: Chicago Maritime Festival, Chicago History Museum
Feb. 26-27: Northwest Indiana Steelheaders Spring Fever Outdoor Show, Expo Center, Valparaiso, Ind.
March 4-6: Lake Home & Cabin Show, Schaumburg Convention Center
March 4-6: Rockford Boat Show and companion Fishing & Outdoor Expo, Indoor Sports Center, Rockford
March 5-6: Great Outdoors Expo, Woodstock North High School, Woodstock
March 5: BRONZEBACK BLOWOUT, Joe Cornwall, Featured Speaker, Elmhurst American Legion
March 5-6: Elmwood All Outdoors Show, Elmwood High School and Grade School
March 9-13: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wis.
March 11-13: Canoecopia, Alliant Energy Center, Madison
March 12: Indoor Fishing Flea Market, Rolling Meadows High School
March 25-27: Illinois Deer & Turkey Classic, Peoria Civic Center
April 29-30: National Antique Decoy & Sporting Collectibles Show, Pheasant Run, St. Charles
I'll definitely be at the tinley show. Prolly spend part of one day there with my kids, the rest of it fishing. then i'll prolly be in the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance booth the other.