8/23/2007

Thousands join together for major outdoor event
            
What do you get when you combine hundreds of volunteers, organizations and activities with thousands of Oklahoma outdoor enthusiasts and three days in September? You get the largest indoor and outdoor recreational event in Oklahoma history.
            
The third annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, slated for Sept. 28-30, will be the biggest and best Expo yet, with activities for young and old as well as avid and novice outdoorsmen.
            
During the three-day event, people from all over the state will converge on the grounds of the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, for a weekend of shotgun shooting, archery, ATV rides, mountain biking, fishing, wildlife watching, music and opportunities to learn about hunting, wildlife management, sporting dog training, camping, and just about anything related to enjoying the outdoors in Oklahoma.
            
“Around 85,000 people attended the last two Expos,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department. “This year we’re inviting all of them back, along with anyone who hasn’t seen this spectacular event. Plus, it’s absolutely free!”
            
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
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The Expo is designed to be entertaining and educational for both avid outdoor enthusiasts and those new to outdoor activities like hunting and fishing,” Rodefeld said. “Everyone who comes out to the Lazy E Arena during the Expo will find something that interests them, whether it’s live butterflies or sampling wild game meat. And besides all the free activities, you also have a chance to win prizes, like a John Deere Gator utility vehicle from P&K Equipment or one of several other prizes made possible by the Expo’s sponsors.”

 To find out how to win a prize and to stay up on all the latest Expo news, log on to wildlifedepartment.com and pre-register for the event.

 Expo hours will be from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
 
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