And even if camping or fishing is not your thing, this year's show is soaked with fun features for the whole family, including: DockDogs Competition, a long jump competition for dogs; The Great Lakes Timber Show, the ultimate exhibition of agility and strength; and the Cimmarron Archery Center, where kids can compete for bragging rights.
"Being the largest consumer fishing event of its kind, The Chicagoland Outdoors Show brings together outdoor enthusiasts of all ages," explains John Lewinski, the show's producer. "With dozens of exhibits, demos and seminars, this year's show offers something for everyone."
Show highlights
DockDogs Competition: See firsthand the fastest growing canine sport in North America. Watch dogs go the distance in this "long jump" competition, as seen on ESPN and see how your dog measures up against the pros. See schedule below.
Great Lakes Timber Show: Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, log rolling and more.
Hawg Tank: Learn techniques from pros as they demonstrate "luring" strategies in this fully-stocked tank.
Archery Center: Kids can test their bow and arrow skills and compete at the Cimmarron Archery Center.
Fishing Seminars: Get tips from experts on how to fish like a pro.
Trout Pond: Go fish! Spend time at Chicago's favorite fishing hole; an additional fee is required for participation.
Fishing Hall: Find the latest gear for everything from freshwater to saltwater fishing, including rods, reels, lures, tackle and clothing, and talk to major fishing equipment manufacturers and retailers.
RV/ATV/4WDs: Cruise the latest selections of new recreational vehicles, sport utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
Outfitters & Lodges: Meet representatives from American and Canadian fishing and hunting lodges, camps, charters and outfitters.
For more information on this year's show activities, visit www.chicagolandsportshow.com.
If you would like to enter your dog in the DockDogs competition, check the schedule below:
Wed Jan 16
Onsite Registration Opens 2:00 pm
Open Dock - 2:00 pm
Training Seminar - 3:00 pm
Training Seminar - 4:00 pm
Big Air Wave # 1 - 6:00 pm
Thurs Jan 17
Onsite Registration Opens 2:00 pm
Open Dock - 2:00 pm
Training Seminar - 3:00 pm
Training Seminar - 4:00 pm
Big Air Wave # 2 - 6:00 pm
Fri Jan 18
Onsite Registration Opens 1:00 pm
Open Dock - 1:00 pm
Training Seminar - 2:00 pm
Training Seminar - 3:00 pm
Big Air Wave # 3 - 5:00 pm
Extreme Vertical - 7:00 pm
Sat Jan 19
Onsite Registration Opens 10:00 am
Open Dock - 10:00 am
Big Air Wave # 4 - 11:00 am
Big Air Wave # 5 - 1:30 pm
Big Air Wave # 6 - 4:00 pm
Speed Retrieve - 6:30 pm
Sun Jan 20
Onsite Registration Opens 10:00 am
Open Dock - 10:00 am
Big Air Wave # 7 - 11:00 am
BA Amateur Finals - 2:30 pm
BA Semi-Pro Finals - 3:15 pm
BA Pro Finals - 4:00 pm
Chicagoland Outdoors Show
Wednesday through Sunday
Stephens Convention Center
Rosemont
Admission: $9 for adults; $8 for seniors
Free for kids under 16 on weekdays
Free for kids under 6 and $5 for ages 6-16 on weekends.
For more information, visit www.chicagolandsportshow.com or call 1-203-902-7255
