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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

RVs start outdoor show season

Recreational vehicles will be on display next weekend at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, during the first of several outdoor trade shows in the region this winter. (Associated Press)

The boat, RV and sportsmen’s show season is under way, giving outdoor enthusiasts a chance to see the latest products from manufacturers and learn sporting techniques at seminars.

Two notable shows won’t be in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area lineup this year:

• The Outdoor Sports Expo has been cancelled after being sponsored by Christian groups at the Bonner County Fairgrounds for two years.

• The Great Western Sportfishing Show is a no-show after a three-year run at the Spokane Convention Center. After poor attendance last March, promoters announced they would not be back to Spokane in 2011.

Some pro anglers and dealers who would have attended the sportfishing show are joining other events, such as the Spokane National Boat Show.

Following is a regional list of top upcoming shows:

•Inland Northwest RV Show and Sale, Thursday-Sunday, at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. Info: (509) 466-4256; www.spokanervshow.com.

The show will be spread out over most of the fairgrounds buildings as six dealers display more than $13 million worth of RV models and trailers large and small.

•Washington Sportsmen’s Show, Jan. 26-30, at Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup, sponsored by O’Loughlin Shows. Info: (503) 246-8291; www.otshows.com.

•Seattle Boat Show, Friday through Jan. 30, Qwest Field Event Center and on the water at South Lake Union. Info: www.seattleboatshow.com.

•Spokane National Boat Show, Jan. 29-Feb. 5 at Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. This will be the 56th annual show, and at least three pro anglers are among the scheduled seminars. Info: (509) 991-1002; www.spokaneboatshow.com.

•Gun, Horn and Fur Show, Feb. 4-6, at Boundary County Fairgrounds at Bonners Ferry, sponsored by Kootenai Valley Sportsmen’s Association, (208) 267-2108.

•Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, March 17-20, Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, sponsored by Inland Northwest Wildlife Council. Info: (509) 487-8552; www.wildlifecouncil.com.