The show continues to grow
Wal-Mart sporting goods store highlights 2007 Forrest Wood Cup Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Forrest Wood Cup is the pinnacle of professional bass fishing. Only the best fishermen in the sport qualify, and the payouts are tremendous. But aside from the on-the-water competition, fans travel from miles away to see the latest and greatest in fishing and camping gear.
The Outdoor Show was first incorporated as part of the year-end championship in 2003, and it has grown steadily since its inception. This year, outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat as virtually anything a sportsman could want will be on display for the next four days at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Just like the regular-season FLW Tour events, the Forrest Wood Cup Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show is full of new boats from Ranger, Champion and Stratos as well outboard engine displays from Yamaha and Evinrude. Kids will have a chance to try their luck in the Fujifilm trout pond and can take a ride on the Ranger boat simulators and the many inflatable slides.
In addition to the Fun Zone, another 80 booths dedicated to the outdoors will line the hallways surrounding Summit Arena. This year’s show in Hot Springs promises to be the biggest and best yet, especially since some of the new equipment and tackle unveiled at the recent ICAST show in Las Vegas will be on display. These items consist of anything from a bass-fishing calendar to specially made Ozark fishing tackle.
But the highlight of the 2007 Outdoor Show is likely the Wal-Mart sporting goods store. Wal-Mart, in teamwork with many of its suppliers, basically assembled a popup store that occupies a portion of the show floor. This store carries an impressive display of rods, reels, fishing line, optics, coolers, trolling motors, batteries, etc. Organizers call it a fully functional Wal-Mart store complete with a register. In total, 1,500 outdoor products will be offered in the Wal-Mart sporting goods store. Many of those 1,500 products are not found at a normal Wal-Mart store.
“This gives the family an excellent opportunity to get out and purchase some outdoor gear at a great price,” said Wal-Mart employee Michael McFadden. “Plus, they get to see a great show for free.”
Among the items available for purchase that can’t be found at a normal Wal-Mart store include high-end reels from Abu Garcia and rods from Berkley, Fenwick and Mitchell. In addition, nearly every size and color of soft plastics are available from Berkley, Zoom and the Yamamoto Bait Company.
But the latest and greatest in fishing tackle is just one facet of the Outdoor Show.
Each day of the show will feature free giveaways for kids, fishing seminars by today’s top pros and registrations to win a free Ranger Z-Comanche bass boat. Also, country music star Tracy Byrd will be performing a free concert.
All show events will be held inside the Hot Springs Convention Center located at 134 Convention Blvd. in Hot Springs. Here’s a quick rundown of show hours and show highlights.
Forrest Wood Cup Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show hours
Thursday, Aug. 2: 2 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 3: 2 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 4: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 5: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Show entry giveaways
The Forrest Wood Cup Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show will be providing free giveaways each day at the door to kids 14 and under. Here’s a rundown of the freebies:
Thursday, Aug. 2, is Berkley Fishing Line Day, when the first 500 fans 14 and under receive a free spool of Berkley fishing line.
Friday, Aug. 3, is Tackle Day, when the first 500 fans 14 and under receive a free tackle kit.
Saturday, Aug. 4, is Solar Bat Sunglasses Day, when the first 750 fans under 14 receive a free pair of Solar Bat sunglasses.
Sunday, Aug. 5, is Rod and Reel Combo Day, when the first 1,500 fans under 14 receive a free rod-and-reel combo.
Get to the show early, though, as supplies are limited and will be given away on a first-come-first-served basis.
Other show features
FSN (Fox Sports Net) will be taping a segment for the “Best Damn Sports Show Period” Saturday, Aug. 4, starting at 1 p.m.
Country music recording artist Tracy Byrd will be performing a free concert before Sunday’s final weigh-in starting at 4 p.m.
One lucky fishing fan’s name will be drawn to win a free Ranger Z-Comanche bass boat powered by Yamaha following the final weigh-in Sunday.