HARRISBURG (TNS) — The NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show drew nearly as many people to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center this year as it did in pre-pandemic 2020.
The Feb. 5-13 event this year saw more than 165,000 people pass through the doors, according to the National Rifle Association.
After a year off for pandemic restrictions in 2021, the 2020 count was down about 8% from the record 179,000 people who attended in 2020.
The outdoor show appeared to fare better in a returning year of lifted mask and other pandemic requirements than did the Pennsylvania Farm Show, which was estimated to have dropped 40% of its crowds in January.
The Farm Show Complex follows CDC Guidance for Indoor Events. No proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to enter the building and there is no mask mandate. Everyone 2 years or older attending events is encouraged to wear a mask.
Exhibitors at the 2022 GAOS also dropped by about a hundred, but more than a thousand were on hand to showcase their products, services and techniques in 650,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Central Pennsylvania tourism officials estimate the show brings about $75 million to the local economy each year.
“After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Great American Outdoor Show roared back to life welcoming outdoor enthusiasts and vendors from every corner of the globe and gave NRA members and like-minded friends the opportunity to once again gather to celebrate our cherished hunting and outdoor heritage,” said Joseph DeBergalis, executive director of NRA General Operations.
“Simply put, there is no show in the world of this size and scope, and we are grateful for the continued support of our members, exhibitors and local partners in southcentral Pennsylvania.”
The show kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included the presentation of a $29,900 NRA Foundation grant to the Dauphin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
Other organizations that were awarded grants included Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the Kutztown Area High School Rifle Team, the Hawk Mountain Council of Boy Scouts of America and the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Navy Junior ROTC Marksmanship Team.
In addition, the NRA honored Pennsylvania resident and NRA Board member Maria Heil and former Chairman of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners Jeff Haste with its Great American Outdoor Show Patriot of the Year award.
