In two weeks, Pennsylvania's only true outdoor show opens where many of the exhibits and attractions are, where else, outdoors.

The Lehigh Valley Hunting & Fishing Extravaganza will again set up shop Aug. 23-25 at the Kempton Fairgrounds in Kempton, Pa. This year marks the shows 8th season of the show whose motto and philosophy is to maintain the fishing and hunting tradition in Pennsylvania.

Show co-directors Bob Danenhower of Orefield and Rick Weaknecht of Kutztown, have assembled old favorites and some new attractions for this season. One new attraction will be Macluvin, the chainsaw wood carving artist from Wellsboro, Pa. Throughout the three days he'll be carving replicas of animals, mushrooms, critters and will entertain personal requests that may be purchased upon completion.

Rothrock Motors, the shows major sponsor, will bring several Ram trucks for showgoers to test drive over an off-road course. In addition there will be a variety of Jeeps, Chrysler and Nissan products for those looking to check out 2013 models without the pressure of buying. That, and a special promotional Ram Trailer will be on site to give out free bags and shirts and literature on Ram trucks.

And, for the first time, an amateur photo contest will take place with the theme "Get Outdoors." Following this theme, photo buffs can shoot anything outdoors related and enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded and photos judged by the public who may vote for their favorite photo. For contest and entry information check the show's website at www.lvhfe.com.

New too will be the Hillbilly Shootin' Irons ammo and reloading specialists from Palmerton. They'll be bringing thousands of rounds of ammo and reloading supplies to include 80 sets of used dies and tons of brass in varied calibers plus their own hand loaded ammo ranging from .32ACP to 50AE, 500 S&W Mag, plus rifle ammo from .22 Hornet to 45-70 with lots of older, hard to find calibers. In addition, they'll also be selling slightly used guns ranging from .223 to 458 Mag.

While at the show, look for the free registration booth in the Main Hall where you can win a Remington 870 youth shotgun donated by Ed Razzis and his East Penn Re-Builders. That, and a free one- day duck hunt has been donated by outfitter Randy Birch of Chincoteague Island, VA. For more information on this hunt call 757-336-6181.

If you're into collectables, Joe Eder will display and discuss his hunting and fishing collection that he has amassed over the years.

If you have antlers that you'd like measured, the Greater Lehigh Valley Branch of Quality Deer Management will be on hand to officially measure them plus they'll have a jawbone aging display. Leave you antlers there for day to be displayed and become eligible for a prize.

Weaknecht Archery in Kutztown will once again offer their challenging 50-target 3D archery course. Bring your bow and test your skill at varying target stages and locations.

For shotgunners, a 50-target sporting clays shoot will be set up amidst a 10-station course. Bring your own shotgun or borrow a 12, 20, 28 or 410 gauge gun brought by volunteer range officers. You'll not find this at any other Pennsylvania outdoor show.

If you own a hunting dog, Pheasant Valley Farms in Berks County, will host the annual Bird Dog Competition on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 9 a.m. "Entry is free so just show up and register at Pheasant Valley Farms booth," says Bob Danenhower. Birds for the competition are being furnished by Red Fox Game Birds in Mohrsville, Pa.

For kids, free trout fishing in the tiny Kistler Creek located on the lower level of the fairgrounds, has often been the start of an angling career for youngsters who have never fished before. And the fish stocked for this contest are sizeable and come compliments of Rothrock Motors, The Storage Centers and Limestone Springs Trout Nursery.

For the top archer in the novelty archery shoot, Cabela's Hamburg is awarding a Cabela's Regulator Camo bow package powered by BowTech. It has an IBO speed of 325 fps, a weight of 3.9 pounds, measures 32 inches axle-axle length and comes with sights, stabilizer, arrow rest, wrist sling and string loop.

And for those who stop by Weaknecht Archery's booth and test fire the new Prime bow, they'll be entered in a drawing to win this unique compound. The 30-inch axle-axle, 332 fps Prime bow uses a dual-track cam design for better accuracy, which also eliminates cam lean.

The folks from Drag & Scratch Emporium in Allentown, will be on hand to display and show how they make leather goods with custom requests accepted.

These and a myriad of other attractions including major archery, hunting and fishing companies will display and offer advice on the use of their products.

In next weeks column we'll detail the free contests available for adults, youngsters and scouts.

For more information check on the show check www.lvhfe.com or call 610-398-7609 or 610-683-7405.