‘It’s really taken off’
All ages welcome at annual outdoor hunting and fishing show
What do you do when your show gets too big for its venue? You move.
“In order to grow the show, we had to go where we could accommodate the vendors and the public comfortably,” said Charles Hawboldt, secretarytreasurer of the Sydney Mines Volunteer Fire Department, organizers of the annual Fishing and Hunting Outdoor Weekend.
Last year’s show attracted approximately 50 vendors. This year organizers are setting up for 71 booths at the Sydney Mines and District Community Centre.
“There’s lots more space in the rink and plenty of parking for both vendors and visitors,” Hawboldt said.
“Most of our vendors are coming back year after year. They start calling in January wondering when the packages are going out. This show is unique in Cape Breton and as the show grows more vendors look to get involved. It’s really taken off.”
This annual event raises money for the fire department’s building and equipment. Equally important, it creates awareness on fire prevention.
“The response has been unbelievable, especially from our major sponsor Layton’s Lumber, who happens to be local,” Hawboldt said.
The event is classed as an outdoor fishing and hunting show, but the vendors cover a vast array of interests for the entire family, including games and activities for the children.
Along with local vendors, the show brings a variety of outfitters and suppliers to Cape Breton from mainland Nova Scotia and P.E.I., featuring everything from hunting and fishing gear, hiking gear, recreational vehicles including Harley Davidson motorcycles and four-wheelers, to outdoor clothing and walking gear.
“We have one fellow from Florence who makes fishing gear,” said John MacPherson, the Sydney Mines deputy fire chief. “We also have a growing display of animal mounts which is a big draw for a lot of people. We have people who take in the show, not just the one day, but both days.”
For those people who want to get some training, there will be non-restricted and restricted firearms courses, a hunter safety course and a trapping course put on by the Trapping Association of Nova Scotia.
“We pretty much have a commitment from the entire volunteer fire department when it comes to putting on this event,” MacPherson said. “It’s a lot of work making sure everything runs smoothly, right down to the food and refreshments on site. We can’t say enough about the folks at the Sydney Mines rink who have been outstanding in helping us organize.”
Tickets are available now and during the show on items from local vendors Fred Anderson of Sam’s Auto Glass in North Sydney who donated a crossbow, and on a waterfowl package donated by Chris King of Bras d’Or Recreation and Marine.
“Most of our vendors are coming back year after year. They start calling in January wondering when the packages are going out.”
Charles Hawboldt, secretary-treasurer, Sydney Mines Volunteer Fire Department