Just because it isn’t snowing does not mean you can’t enjoy winter. You don’t even have to go outside! With warmer temperatures interrupting our periodic if brief arctic blasts, why not take advantage of the weather by paying a visit to the Greater Olean Outdoor and Recreation Sports Show, January 28th and 29th. Be sure to note the location. The event will take place at the Daniel Carter Events Center, 2383 West Five Mile Road Extension in Allegany, just off Route 86 at the Allegany exit (24).
Meme Yanetsko, the Chief Operating Officer at the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, likes the mid-winter date. This year’s event marks the third such sports show, but the first time it will be held in January, rather than September. There was no sports show last year. And it used to be held at the William O. Smith Recreation Center, near Bradner Stadium. So why do the move? Yanetsko said it was a great location because of the park and parking facilities, but timing did not work well for the vendors. She noted, “Charters were still out on the water, and a lot of the outfitters weren’t gearing up yet. This year, knock on wood, we’re looking pretty good.” It should also be noted that Bradford will not be hosting a similar exhibition this year.
The Chamber sought out a different location for the outdoor sports show because it’s ice hockey season at the Recreation Center. Yanetsko is pleased to be at the Daniel Carter Events Center. The setup will be a bit different. “We can fit about 56 booths in there, eight by eight (feet). You could fit 100 in the Rec Center because it’s an ice skating rink. But I feel like it (the change) should be a good fit for all involved.”
The number of expected vendors varies slightly from day to day, but Yanetsko expects to see 41 vendors at the show. Exhibits will center on anything to do with outdoor sports, regardless of the season, such as camping, paddle sports, hiking, cycling, fishing, snowmobiling, bird watching, and sporting equipment. Sponsors are CUTCO Company Corporation, Ka-Bar Knives, Ron’s Gun Shop, Microtel Inn of Olean, Premo Limo, Hertz/Mallory’s Autobody, and Amazing Aerial Photos.com.
Visitors to the sports show can browse, shop, and even schedule a spring fishing charter, according to Meme Yanetsko. “Most of the fishing charters are coming with their calendars, so you can charter your boat trip out on any of the lakes or ponds.”
As for past attendance (in September of 2010), the show probably attracted about 50 vendors and 1200 visitors. Yanetsko says this year, “With 41 vendors, I am happy with that number. They are all in the (sporting) industry and are all paying vendors. This year we are really targeting hunting and fishing, as well as the other (outdoor recreational) sports.”
Among this year’s attractions are special guest Roger Raglin, producer of the popular television show “Roger Raglin Outdoors.” You can check out the Camp Cando Recreational Home by Owl Homes outside the Events Center. There will be raffles for sporting goods prizes, or you can ask Dr. Al-Humadi about sports medicine or arthroscopic treatments. Dr. Al-Humadi is attending courtesy of Olean General Hospital and will give a presentation as well as take questions.
Hours for the Greater Olean Outdoor and Recreation Sports Show are Saturday January 28th from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday January 29th from 10-4. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors. Children 12 and under are free with an adult.
