Outdoor Marketplace returning to 2009 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

            For the third year in a row, vendors at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo will be offering their outdoor goods and services to sportsmen interested in the outdoors through its Outdoor Marketplace.
            The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's fifth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is slated for September 25-27 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. The Wildlife Department will be working with a range of organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the event —  intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources. Last year's Expo drew nearly 40,000 visitors to the Lazy E Arena over the course of three days.
            “The Expo is an event that draws tens of thousands of outdoor-minded individuals who want to learn about the outdoors and try their hand at a number of outdoor activities,” said Rhonda Hurst, Wildlife Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “The Wildlife Department is pleased to offer to Expo visitors a chance to stroll through the Outdoor Marketplace to see the latest in outdoor merchandise. I'm confident this year's Outdoor Marketplace will be well worth checking out.”
            The Outdoor Marketplace is a large area where commercial vendors will be selling their hunting and fishing-related merchandise and services. The Marketplace features vendors under a large tent, but outdoor open-air spaces also are available for displaying larger items such as ATVs and hunting blinds. A 10' x 10' booth space under the tent or a 20' x 20' outside space costs $300. Both include electricity. Nonprofit conservation organizations also will be able to sign up for free booth spaces to promote membership and educate sportsmen about their organizations.
            Along with shopping at the Outdoor Marketplace, Expo visitors will be able to fish, shoot shotguns, kayak, ride mountain bikes, see and touch wildlife, attend dog training seminars and learn about recreation in the great outdoors. They will also be able to win a variety of free prizes thanks to the Expo's generous sponsors.
            “Vendors who want to reach outdoor enthusiasts with their products and services need to be part of the Wildlife Expo's Outdoor Marketplace,” Hurst said. “Don't miss out on this opportunity to participate in the largest outdoor recreational event in the state of Oklahoma.”
            Log on to wildlifedepartment.com regularly to stay up to date on the upcoming Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.
For more information about obtaining a booth in the Outdoor Marketplace or to obtain an application for a booth, contact Rhonda Hurst, Wildlife Expo Coordinator at (405) 522-6279.
 
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