Before I get to the shows around Chicago outdoors this week, I want to back up to the Tinley Park Fishing & Outdoor Show last weekend and America's Outdoor Show.
I haven't heard final numbers from Tinley organizer Rich Komar, but they packed the joint again.
The Tinley show is becoming a part of our winter outdoors culture, especially for Chicago and the south and southwest suburbs. At $5 and free parking, it is a bargain.
I find myself going booth to booth and talking with friends.
That may be the best way to define the feel of Tinley, talking with friends. And merchants move product.
It is good show.
And it may be the size and style of shows that will survive in the Chicago market.
Which brings me to the big show in our area.
I don't know what to make of Jim Sugarman, owner of America's Outdoor Show, sending around a note this week that he has a 30-day hold on the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg.
This the week after he announced he was not putting on America's Outdoor Show in 2012. This year it was just a wonderful show, a throwback to the glory days of outdoor shows.
I am beginning to think the glory days of big shows may be done for Chicago outdoors.
Once again, there are a number of smaller shows this week.
The Chicago RV & Camping Show is at the Stephens Convention Center Rosemont through Sunday.
Our World-Underwater is also at the Stephens Convention Center from Friday through Sunday.
Tony Grant and Gregg Thomas headline the Musky Road Rules Cabin Fever Clinic is at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village on Saturday.
COMING UP:
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
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