Showtime just around corner
Steven Rinella rocked the last National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic banquet so much that he will be back to do it again this winter.
The difference is that Pheasant Fest will be making its first appearance in Illinois, Feb. 22-24 at the Schaumburg Convention Center. That will be the highlight of the outdoor-show season around Chicago this winter. Pheasant Fest is for more than pheasant and quail hunters. There are significant events around pollinators and roadside habitat, too.
I am really looking forward to this and plan to be there every day. Rinella, the host of the “MeatEater” television show and podcast, will be the keynote speaker at the banquet Feb. 23.
More to come on Pheasant Fest. In other show news, the Outdoor Sports Group will not have a show in 2019 at Arlington Park, where the show moved in March from its original spot in Rosemont.
‘‘The show needs a more traditional expo hall with easier access for its vendors,’’ OSG managing partner Rick Rosalina emailed. ‘‘We are in the process of securing a new venue for 2020 and will be announcing these dates and location soon.’’
For the second consecutive year, Illinois does not have a deer-focused show. I find it astonishing that nobody has started another show focused on deer hunting in a state with a reputation for monster bucks.
The longest-running show around Chicago — the Chicago Boat, RV and Sail Show — starts show season Jan. 9 at McCormick Place South. Brandon Palaniuk headlines the big fishing show, the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo. It opens Jan. 24 at the Schaumburg Convention Center.
A complete list of shows, classes and swap meets in the area is posted at