In this their 11th annual show, the Lehigh Valley Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza is about to kick off for its two day run on August 27 and 28. As always, it’s being held at the Kempton Fairgrounds in Kempton, PA.

You may be wondering why a fairgrounds when most outdoor shows are held indoors? Well, the primary reason is that it’s the only East Coast show that features an actual 10-station, 50 target sporting clays shoot, in-field hunting dog competitions with live gamebirds, in-field archery shoots that encompass 50, 3D targets set in woodland, hillside, rolling grass and raised stations, youth, scouts and adult outdoor skills competitions, sawmilling demonstrations and of course the always popular in-stream youth trout fishing where sizable trout are stocked in the fairground’s creek. There will also be a bird dog training seminars and Smokey the Bear himself will be strolling the fairgrounds making for great photo and Instagram pictures for families with children.

It’s also doubtful any show, regardless of indoor space, could feature the vast encampment of the Dogs of War Vietnam Living History Group, who this year will present seminars on the war and have General George Patton’s actual Jeep at their campsite. The organization has over $200,000 invested in Vietnam memorabilia and will detail all during their seminars.

Stihl, the chainsaw and garden equipment manufacturer, will be on hand with their all-equipment van giving instructions and demonstrations on the safe use of chainsaws. They’ll also chance off a new Stihl chainsaw who proceeds will benefit youth outdoor programs.

Back again and another popular attraction is the outdoors photography contest. This year’s theme is “What A Wonderful World,” which can be a photo of a sunset, sunrise, children in the outdoors, dogs, hunting/fishing scenes, wildlife, flora or fauna. The contest features three categories of Wildlife Macro, and Landscape. According to Jeannie Carl (570-325-4336), photo contest coordinator, the landscape portion can feature people in the landscape to make the photo more interesting. The deadline for entry is August 19 with entry forms obtained from the show’s website (www.lvhfe.com) and by clicking on the Photo Contest link. Entry fee is $5 per submission with a limit of three entries per photographer. Photos may be dropped off at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center in Summit Hill; Bob’s Taxidermy, 4642 Kernsville Road, Orefield; or Weaknecht Archery, 159 Kutz Mill Road, Kutztown. Carl suggests bringing your camera to the show to snap photos as next year’s contest will be based on photos taken at this years show.

As all outdoor shows, there will be a myriad outdoor equipment manufacturer’s present, guns and ammo for sale and Rothrock Motors will be on hand with Ram trucks and hot selling Jeep products where special show pricing will be offered.

The show will also feature chainsaw carving, the always popular Flea Market on Saturday on Aug. 27, video shooting simulator, kids Daisy BB Gun range, trapper and predator calling demonstrations, NRA booth, various sportsmen’s groups and associations, archery novelty shoots including Iron Buck/Ping Pong shoots, simulated turkey archery shoot, bird dog training seminars, Joe Elder’s collectible vintage sportsman’s artifacts, PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources forestry informational programs and much more.

East Penn Rebuilders will once again offer a free drawing for a Remington 870 Youth shotgun. Register for it in the Main Hall. Now how many outdoor shows do you know that offer this?

You can also win a Randy Birch Chincoteague Duck Hunt in Chincoteague, Virginia. Sign up for the drawing or you can book one on your own by calling Birch at 757-336-6181.

During the sawmilling demonstration by GC Lumber of Orefield, custom cuts of wood will be for sale during the show. Every year showgoers buy select cuts of hardwoods to make tables, chairs, bars and other home furnishings from them. Any unsold lumber will be auctioned off on Sunday afternoon.

Also auctioned off on Sunday will be Weaknecht Archery’s 3D targets that were used at the show. This is a good time to get a great deal on a slightly used deer, turkey, bear, coyote or squirrel targets. And for those buying a crossbow from Weaknecht Archery, you’ll also get a free crossbow case to go with it.

Lastly, the first 400 paid adults through the gate will receive a free archery T-shirt compliments of Victory Arrows and FeraDyne Outdoors. All attendees can also enter to win a Prime Archery compound bow.

While at the show you can meet and chat with Corey Brossman host of “Innerloc Out There” TV show on the Sportsman’s Channel.

Admission to the show, with daily door prizes and free parking, is $5/adults, kids ages 8-12/$1, and children under 8 are free as are uniformed Scouts and their leaders. And on Sunday after 11 a.m. all first responders, police, active and retired military personnel with identification will be admitted free.

Kempton Fairgrounds is located off Exit 40 of I-78. Take Route 737 North to the town of Kempton and follow the shows signs to the entrance.

For additional information check the shows website or call Bob Danenhower, show co-director at 610-398-7609 or Rick Weaknecht at 610-683-7405.