Oklahoma Wildlife Expo at the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E in Guthrie. Hundreds of booths will be stretched across the arena, giving visitors an opportunity to participate in various sporting activities.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is hosting the fifth annual expo, which has developed a reputation as the largest outdoor recreational event in the state. More than 35,000 people attended last year, and department spokesman Micah Holmes said organizers expect this year's event to draw similar crowds.
Holmes said the expo is different from other events because it is free, educational and entertaining.
"What really makes it fun for families is that it's hands-on," he said.
EXCAVATION SITUATION
Guests can learn to shoot a gun, climb a wall, catch fish, ride a mountain bike, pet wild animals and even cook wild game. One of the most popular expo events is kayaking, Holmes said. The Lazy E's dirt floor is excavated and replaced with a giant pond that fills the center of the arena, giving kids a chance to kayak indoors.
Experienced wilderness fanatics can enjoy in-depth seminars and dog-training sessions. Vendors in the outdoor marketplace sell fishing poles, shotguns and other tools for outdoor sports and recreation.
Special guests include award-winning Tulsa chef Michael Fusco, world duck-calling champion Ryan Nolan and world and national skeet-shooting champion Jon Michael McGrath II.
Friday kicks off the weekend with School Day, which is reserved for field trips. More than 8,000 kids from 121 schools are signed up.
The expo continues through 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. "Paige Lawler
