There’s something fun and different happening every day at the Expo. Your whole family will be thrilled to meet Brody, the biggest, "baddest" live bear around. The 1,300-pound Kodiak bear returns to the Expo by popular demand. Brody’s size and special bond with handler Jeff Watson, will amaze the young and old alike. Mr. Watson has had Brody since he was an eight week-old cub and the bear is now nearly eight feet tall with a shoulder span of nearly four feet. Show-goers will learn about the Kodiak’s habitat and life and Brody’s life with Jeff Watson.

Families will also enjoy exploring the trout pond as well as catching the nature shows featuring live birds of prey and a range of reptiles. TALONS will be returning with a fascinating raptor display. Lorrie Westman, master falconer, will explain the behavior and lifestyles of these "masters of flight" and present daily flying demonstrations. And, Marla Isaac, the 

"Reptile Lady", will also be on hand with an array of slithering superstars. This year, the show will feature alligators, pythons and African lizards. This will be the chance to learn more about these amazing creatures from the Dark Continent and beyond.

The kids won’t want to miss Kid Fun and Fish Day, which will be on Saturday, February 11th. The Plano Tackle Company will give away free tackle boxes to the first 200 children (ages 6 to 11) entering the show when accompanied by a paying adult. On the same day, children can learn casting through the National Guard’s "Cast for Education Program", which awards prizes for casting skills. It’s a great way to get that young angler off to a good start, a great opportunity to get even more kids interested in fishing and all it has to offer.

All the top fishing manufacturers will be present at the eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition, too.
They will include Shimano, Penn, Diawa, Okuma, St. Croix, Quantum, Zebco, G. Loomis, Lowrance, Humminbird and rogue Rods, to name but a few. You can be among the first to to actually test new fishing rods for 2007 and explore the latest fishing tackle technology. In addition, numerous tackle makers will display merchandise not available in retail stores or catalogues. Among the highlights are Ocean Girl fishing rods for women that are just the right weight and balance for female anglers. Show manager, Paul Fuller, terms this year’s event a "Show of Discovery." as so many new products are being unveiled.

Bob Harris can be reached via e-mail at: outwriter2@aol.com