Welcome to the 'little' big show
Outdoors world to converge on Hammond this weekend
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The following article appeared online at The Times website on the date specified below. It is published here, in its original context, as a convenience to our visitors. You can visit The Times here. |
BY MARTY JARANOWSKI
Times Correspondent
This story ran on nwitimes.com on Thursday, January 27, 2005
"1984" is more than just the title of George Orwell's novel about "Big Brother."
It was also the year of the first Hammond Outdoors Show produced by the Hammond Parks Department. This weekend's show represents the 21st edition.
"Since the beginning, the aim has been to give the area sportsmen a unique experience, where they can come to hear local sportsmen and professionals give seminars," show spokesman Mark Narantic said. "And (they can) also learn about the area's recreational facilities, visit with resort/lodge owners, or local and out-of-state charter captains and guides.
"We have always tried to make the show a place for everyone that has an interest in the outdoors."
In 2003, the show moved from its former facility, the Hammond Civic Center, to the new Jean Shepherd Center. This move more than doubled the floor space available to exhibitors.
The show also is a great place for those who are looking for like-minded local organizations. Some that are represented are Lake County Game and Fish Protective Organization, Griffith Izaak Walton League, Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, Illiana Bass, Illiana Walleye, Perch America and Muskie Inc.
Two new attractions to the show this year are the Gander Mountain Trout Pond and the World Class Whitetail Deer exhibit.
The trout pond is a great place for the kids to experience the thrill of catching. The whitetail exhibit will feature 30 world-class deer mounts.
In the past, the show has presented bass-fishing greats like Fish Fishbourne, Kevin Van Damn, Penny Barryman and Woo Daves, walleye professionals like Greg Horky and noted anglers like Spencer Petros. This year is no different.
Petros, an author, tournament angler, tackler designer and veteran of more than 100 television shows, will appear again on Saturday to discuss the art of catching crappie in both winter and summer.
Mick Thill, who recently was inducted to the USA Fishing Hall of Fame and is a five-time world champion, will give two seminars Saturday. In the first, he will cover the finesse of ice fishing; the second will discuss the art of float fishing.
Mike Mladenik has been a guide in northeastern Wisconsin for over 25 years, specializing in smallmouth bass. He also is an author and produces a local TV fishing show. Mladenik will speak both days.
Others scheduled to be on hand over the weekend include outdoors writer Mike Schoonveld, "Sportsman's Letter" publisher Ed Mullady, tournament angler Mike Norris, television host Don Dziedzina, charter owner Chuck Weis, sports shop owner Fred Lutger and a member of the Northwest Indiana Steelheaders.
The first 250 guests on both Saturday and Sunday will receive a free fishing lure, and door prizes will be given away throughout the day. Show tickets are $4 and parking is free.
