MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia Fishing, Hunting & Outdoor Sports Show drew a large crowd when it returned to Mylan Park on Saturday after a forced year off because of COVID-19.
“We sold out on vendor spaces completely and even had a waiting list,” said organizer Labeth Hall, of PR Plus Events. “We have over 160 vendors. They come from all over the country, Canada, Maine, Colorado, Wyoming, Chesapeake Bay, and lots of different states in between.”
The show hosts a wide variety of national businesses, local small businesses and out-of-town small businesses.
Hall said that mix is on purpose.
“We try to do that because we want to make the show something really special for this region. And most people in this region don’t have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with charter boat captains from Lake Erie or from Chesapeake Bay,” she said.
Matt and Nichole Berridge, of Montclair, Va., started Nova Lure Co. about two years ago. They said Saturday was their first time at a major show. Matt said he was sick of not being able to find the color he wanted at big box stores and started making his own baits, mostly focused on bass fishing.
Nova Lure was one of several vendors offering custom-made baits.
Sportsman’s Emporium, which has a store on Green Bag Road, doesn’t view the show as an opportunity for sales but for advertising, said owner Brent Cayton.
“We mostly come because it’s a community event that draws from a large area. We do it for two reasons, mostly for advertising. It’s a good way to get your products in front of a lot of people in a short period of time, at a reasonable price,” Cayton said.
He said it’s been a good show so far and they’d sold more on Saturday morning than at any previous show.
Hunting equipment such as guns and turkey calls were also on sale at the show.
Shoppers appreciated the wide range of vendors.
“I’m actually an avid fisherman. I love to go for trout and I occasionally go for some bass but I wanted to see what they had out here today,” said Kaitlyn Conti. “I actually really love this. I love all the different small businesses. There’s actually some that I recognize from around town. It’s really cool to get to know the people behind the baits and see what there is to offer.”
There’s even stuff for non-hunters and fishers such as artwork, leather craft goods and fur crafted goods.
Food vendors selling beef jerky, pickles, spices, rubs, dips and more also filled the venue.
The show continues today and doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for children 7-12 and free for children 6 and under.
The first 50 people will receive a mystery prize, Hall said.
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