While it doesn't have the enormity of the Harrisburg sportsman show now run by the NRA, the resurrected Lehigh Valley Sportsmen's Show (historically called the Allentown show) has changed its two-day format of its inaugural year last year to a three-day show this year.

This year's show kicks off Friday, Feb. 28 and runs through Sunday, March 2 at the Agri-Plex building in the Allentown Fairgrounds.

According to Dennis Brozey of PBM Productions in Fogelsville, the show will have Cabela's as a major sponsor and will feature a kid's catch-and-keep fishing pond compliments of Tilley's Nursery of Coopersburg and volunteers from Ranger Rod & Gun Club in North Whitehall.

A.T. Gillespie from Archery Addictions, will have an age 12 and under archery station shoot that will feature special prizes for the youngsters.

As for seminars, scheduled is a muzzleloading program, a bear hunting in Maine session, turkey calling tactics by a Mossy Oak pro staffer, a shad fishing seminar given by the members of the Delaware River Shad Fishermen's Association, a canoe and kayak fishing program and one on crossbow hunting in Africa.

The Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association will auction off outdoor gear and trips including an $8,000 African safari for two or four.

Show hours are 1-8 p.m., Feb. 28; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mar. 1; and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mar. 2.

Admission is $10 while kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. And of course parking is free.

For more information check www.pbmproductions.

NJ SALTWATER FISHING SHOW

The World of Saltwater Fishing show returns to the Garden State Exhibit Center in Somerset, NJ for its ninth year. This year's show runs March 14-16 and as always, is the top saltwater show in the East.

What's unique about this show is that there are tackle items by custom makers that are not available in stores or tackle shops. And the gear runs from inshore to offshore and from surf fishing to big game fishing. Major exhibitors include Daiwa, St. Croix, Quantum. Zebco and dozens more.

The shows' seminar schedule covers a myriad of saltwater experts including Dave Schunke, noted author, tournament champ; Capt. Al Ristori, editor of Salt Water Sportsman; Mike Laptew, fishing videographer for National Geographic; Capt. Jimmy Gahm of Shimano's pro staff; Ron Arra, five-time U.S. Surfcasting Champ; and Bill Carson, Johnson Outdoors/Humminbird Marine Electronics marketing manager.

Sunday is family day that features a Scavenger Hunt for the first 100 kids under age 11 and accompanied by a paying adult. Each youngster participating in the hunt will receive a free Plano tackle box. Registration is required at the Kid Fun activities area.

Show hours are March 14, noon – 8 p.m.; Mar. 15, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Mar. 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $3 for children 5-11 while kids under five are free. A portion of ticket proceeds goes toward the "Keep America Fishing" program.

From Allentown take I-78 east to I-287 then get off at Exit 10 in Somerset. And for more information check www.sportshows.com.