Great Alaska Sportsman Show 34th year Thursday-Sunday

The real beginning of the outdoor year in Alaska cranks up Thursday for the 34th run of the Great Alaska Sportsman Show, this year March 30-April 2.

More than 400 vendor booths will pack Sullivan Arena and both sides of Ben Boeke Ice Arena for the state’s largest trade show. Most offer show-specials on gear of every size and description, so it’s a good time to stock up tackle and shop for a new boat or RV.  The Show runs Thursday 4-9 p.m.; Friday 12 noon-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults, $3 for kids 2-12, free for kids under two, plus $6 for parking. A full 4-day show pass is $18.

Premier Alaska Tours is providing shuttle buses starting at 3 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday from the Midtown Walmart and Northway Mall. There’s a full complement of free seminars all four days, with something for just about every hunting and fishing interest.  The complete list of seminar times and speakers at www.greatalaskasportsmanshow.com.