Sportsman?s Show returns to Onaway
The Onaway Sportsman’s Show returns to the Onaway High School this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, after a one-year absence.
?We got a late start this year,? says Bev Brougham, executive director of the Onaway Area Chamber of Commerce, ?because we weren’t sure of the show’s status since it was moved from Onaway last year by the previous organization that managed the show.?
Chamber officials didn?t have the necessary start-up funds for advertising, but at the same time they didn?t want the show to fade away. In October, the decision was made by the chamber board to try and bring it back.
?WE WENT to the county commission meeting in November asking for their support along with a request for some money to cover advertising,? said Brougham. ?It was the feeling of the Onaway Chamber Board if the county could help with seed money, we would try to organize and bring the show back to Onaway High School for the benefit of Presque Isle County and northeast Michigan.
?Fortunately, the county commission felt it was a worthwhile endeavor and agreed to help us as long as we had some cost controls in place and concise accounting of our use of their money.?
Due to short notice many of the large vendors were unable to participate this year and have pledged their participation in future shows.
?We are very excited with the mix of vendors we do have and several who could not attend this year have donated door prizes to show their support of our effort,? said Brougham.
THERE WILL be kids? door prizes on both days, a getaway raffle with seven chances to win some prizes. Santa will be there to listen to Christmas wishes, while the Rogers City Optimist Club will be tantalizing the taste buds of visitors.
In addition, there will be a chili cook-off contest and a trout pond for ki
?Our members and county-wide merchants have helped make this year?s show a reality,? added Brougham. ?All we need now is to have individuals and families come through the admission booth. ($2 entrance fee, kids under 12 are free). With a good turnout, be assured all profits will go to producing a bigger and better show next year. ?The Onaway Area Chamber of Commerce and its Board have done what was thought to be impossible by some folks who felt time was too short. The future of the Onaway Sportsman?s Show is now in the hands of the attendees.?
The hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The raffle drawing will be on Sunday at 3 p.m. with door prizes daily at 3 p.m.