For the sportsman, the calendar is measured in seasons not months. Spring and summer account for turkey and fishing season, fall is hunting season and when our guns and bows get put away we are in the midst of the holiday season. As we ring in the new year, January is the beginning of the sport show season and the northeast has bragging rights on some of the best shows in the country.

For exhibitors, the shows represent a marathon effort, setting up and tearing down in a different city almost every weekend through March but for sports enthusiasts the shows are great entertainment, the ideal shopping experience, and an opportunity to bone up on skills and preview new products. While the various shows are similar, the mix of products, outfitters and seminar offerings vary greatly from city to city. In fact, an increasing number of sportsmen and women make a point of attending two or more shows each year to broaden their perspective of the outdoor industry. The typical venue features something for everyone interested in outdoor activities; travel agents, guide services and outfitters from all over North America are a central feature but you will also find boats, ATV's, archery equipment, clothes, boots, guns and a host of other products and services. Seminars and demonstrations provide an educational element while food vendors offering everything form game meat jerky to fudge and ice cream help create a fair-like environment. Most of the shows even set up an indoor fish pond for would-be anglers under the age of 12. A day at the show is definitely a family oriented event so here's a preview of the northeast's best sports exhibitions.

YANKEE SPORTSMANS CLASSIC
When: January 14, 15 &16. Where: Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Jct., Vermont
Highlights: We are fortunate to have such a quality show here in the north country. Now in its thirteenth season, the "Classic" formally held in St. Albans, will this year occupy two buildings on the fairgrounds, feature over 150 exhibitors and expectations are that last year's record attendance of 15,000 show goers will be topped in 2005. For more information call: 802-877-0033.

EASTERN FISHING & OUTDOOR EXHIBITION
When: February 10 - 13. Where: Centrum Centre, Worcester, Massachusetts
Highlights: This show sells out all of its available 300 exhibitor spaces every year. Now in its 29th season, the Worcester show continues to diversify from what in the past was primarily a fishing show to a more diverse venue of outfitters and outdoor sports products. Fishing is still a big draw and you will find destinations represented from Alaska to the Caribbean as well as one of the largest boat displays of any of New England's show events. The facility is modern and well organized and the exhibition is well worth the four hour drive. For more information call: 603-431-4315

THE SPRINGFIELD SPORTSMEN'S SHOW
When: February 24 - 27. Where: Eastern States Exhibition, W. Springfield, MA
Highlights: In its 22nd year this is New England's largest show with over 500 exhibits occupying two buildings. The fairgrounds are located just a couple of miles west of Interstate 91 making it an easy drive from almost anywhere and there is plenty of parking. It takes an entire day to walk the show floor. For some of the country's best outfitters, this is their only show appearance in New England. Last year's event was one of the best attended with nearly 70,000 people over four days. Again in 2005, the show will also be hosting the Northeast Indoor 3-D Archery Championship.
For more information call: 413-467-2171

EASTERN SPORTS & OUTDOOR SHOW
When: February 5 - 13 Where: State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA
Highlights: This show is worth mentioning because it is huge and draws over 100,000 attendees from up and down the eastern seaboard. Now in its 50th year, the Harrisburg show features over 1100 exhibitors and runs for a duration of 10 days.
For more information visit their web site at: www.easternsportshow.com

Once you have decided which shows you want to attend there are a couple of things to keep in mind to make your attendance more enjoyable. First, if you are shopping for a hunting or fishing trip and want some quality face time with outfitters get to the show early, locate the destinations you are most interested in from the program guide and go to those exhibits first. If you want to meet with a specific outfitter, call him in advance of the show and make an appointment. Although show food is hard to resist, if you're bringing the family packing snacks or a light lunch will make your visit less expensive and also allow you to avoid the sometimes long lines at the concessions.

There are a lot of cold weekends between New Year's and Easter but by putting a couple of sport shows on your schedule before you know it, its fishing season again.