1^st Annual COA Outdoor Expo a Hit!

Paul Dockery

“We can’t wait for next year! It will be even better!” I heard this comment time and time again from vendors as I tried to make my way around to each booth to introduce myself and thank them for participating. “It’s just such a wholesome environment” was another comment that caught my attention. From the moment I arrived I knew that this was a different kind of outdoor show. Young couples walking around with their small children were the first thing that caught my eye as I entered the grounds. Normally outdoor shows and expos are full of grown men wearing camo, but this one, while certainly designed for that crowd, was planned around the family, and that’s what we had.

Starting at 9:00 am meant that the crowds would be thin as the first day began, but we were surprised to see folks showing up almost as soon as the gates opened. Mothers and their children enjoyed the playground and snacks that were available while they walked around and looked at the various offerings of the vendors. And we had a lot of vendors! Whether you were looking for an RV or a bracelet, new archery equipment to the latest in truck accessories; Kettle Corn or Sausage on a stick, there was something for everyone.

Later in the afternoon the crowds began to thicken and we opened up the fishing ponds for kids to come and try their luck. It was such a joy to watch those youngsters discover a new thing that wasn’t attached to a computer or a television. I helped other COA Volunteers as we baited small hooks with worms and cast them out for the little ones, and showed the older ones how to do the same. We were soon working overtime trying to unhook perch for the small children and put another worm on while we assisted the older children with their rigs. I guess the thing that made the biggest impression on me is when I held out a baited rod and reel to a young teenaged girl who initially refused to take it. “Come on!” I said as I walked toward her. She reluctantly took the rod and I busied myself with another youngster. I don’t know if she ever caught anything, but 15 minutes later, she was still there with the rod in her hand. Casting out into the water and slowly reeling in again. That ”I really don’t want to be here” look had left her face and had been replaced with a pleasant look of content.

Greg Thompson of the COA Board of Directors took over operations of the fishing pond when he arrived on Friday afternoon and then ran it all day on Saturday. It wore him out running back and forth baiting hooks all day but I know that he feels the same way I do; it’s really gratifying to watch a young child who at first doesn’t want to touch a worm become the “chief worm getter” within a few minutes. Those kids had a ball!

Over at the other end of the Tree of Life Church, the Bushlan’s Noc it Up Team Challenge had set up and archery range and their volunteers were busy at helping youngsters of every age learn about bows and arrows. Shooting arrows at targets and silhouettes, people of all ages enjoyed archery, some for the very first time.

The guys and gals from Bowsmith and Bushlan did a phenomenal job and their archery range was first rate in both safety and accessibility.

Finally the car show was another great event that brought out some of the most beautiful custom cars and trucks that I have ever seen. There were Corvettes and antique trucks, old muscle cars and some newer ones. Every color of the rainbow was represented and there were even some colors that I had never seen before. It is truly amazing what these gear heads can do with a little imagination, time and a lot of money. I’m sure that some of these vehicles are worth a lot of money, but that is what they love to do and it is really nice for them to let the rest of us see the fruits of their labor.

Plans are already in the making for next year and it will be even bigger and better. The dates for next year are the 3^rd weekend in May. We plan on hosting a BBQ Cook Off, Big Name Live Entertainment, a Gulf War Vets Banquet and even more games and fun for the kids. Vendors are already signing up and spaces will be filling up fast so contact Elizabeth Foster to get yours reserved. Come on out and join us for the 2^nd Annual COA Outdoor Expo.