The All American Outdoor Expo will return for its 68th year Jan. 6-8, featuring RVs, boats, motorcycles and more. The show will fill the Expo Center of the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
Show manager David Marquart said this is Fort Wayne’s longest running show, operating under different names and different owners. Marquart has been running the show almost 15 years.
Show hours are noon-8 p.m. Jan. 6; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 7; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 8. Admission is $15 for adults, with free admission for ages 16 and younger. Discounts will be given to military personnel.
This year’s show will feature new RV lines and more live fishing demonstrations, African safari trips, a kayak and bicycle blowout and outdoor camping gear.
A returning fan-favorite feature is the lumberjack show. Marquart estimates it’s been at least five years since the lumberjacks have been at the show. Show times are at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Jan. 6; at 11 a.m., and 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Jan. 7; and at 11:30 a.m., and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 8.
Live fly-fishing and an air rifle range will be available.
The event attracts thousands. “What can I say, Indiana loves to camp and go to the lake,” Marquart said.
“It’s fun for the entire family, good for all ages. This is noise and action, with stuff going on, things to do,” Marquart said.
The event is even dog-friendly, and will include a dress-your-dog “All American” contest with first, second and third prizes.
While the number of vendor booth is always high, there are still 6-7 vendor spots available for the show, according to Marquart.
With travel limitations due to COVID-19 now gone, more foreign vendors will return, including fishing vacations from Canada.
“The show is stronger (this year) than it has been the last couple of years,” Marquart said.
