The 36th Annual Kenai Peninsula Sport, Rec & Trade show will again fill the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex — and its parking lot — Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“We kind of feel like our event is the kickoff to summer,” Kelly Martin, chief executive officer for the organizing Kenai Peninsula Association of Realtors, said Monday. “It’s the weekend where the sun comes out and our outdoor area is usually pretty packed with people. It’s kind of your last opportunity to meet with the fishing charters and the lodges before they open for the year.”
Martin said that somewhere around 120 vendors are participating this year, including Kenai Aviation, All Alaska Custom, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, Peninsula Community Health Services, River & Sea Marine Supply, Dependable RV, the Racing Lions, Echo Lake Meats, and a wide variety of other outdoor businesses and entities — from government agencies to fishing guides.
Beyond the show floor, Martin said an “Alaskan Made” exhibit will be held upstairs, with other crafts and things for buying.
In addition to all of the vendors, there will be lots of “interactive” fun to be had, Martin said. The Department of Fish and Game is again hosting its trout pond, there will be a mechanical bull, horse rides and ax throwing.
“There is something for everyone at this show. Kids, adults, seniors — there’s something for everyone,” Martin said. “Pretty much everything you need under one roof.”
For opening night on Friday running 6 to 9 p.m., Martin said, there will be special deals, free food, free drinks and other giveaways.
The Kenai Peninsula Sport, Rec & Trade Show will be held at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $5; students, seniors and the military get in for $4; Children under 10 years of age are free.
For more information, visit facebook.com/KenaiSportShow.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
