February 15, 2012 Minneapolis, Minn. The Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow celebrates its 80th birthday with more exhibits, new attractions, and more outdoor fun for all ages. The Midwests largest marketplace for all things outdoors returns to the Minneapolis Convention Center March 28 April 1, 2012, providing a premier spring destination to get ready for warm weather fun with hundreds of exhibits featuring the newest products for boating, hunting, fishing, and camping, plus outfitters and resorts from across Minnesota and North America. The show also provides a retreat filled with new attractions and returning favorites to help visitors of all ages discover the excitement of the outdoors.

Were celebrating 80 years of the Midwests great outdoors with a host of attractions and dozens of exhibits showcasing the newest boats, RVs, and accessories for adventures on land and in-water, noted Jennifer Thompson, show manager. And theres no better place to discover and enjoy the outdoors lifestyle than at the 2012 show with family favorites returning like the Trout Pond and Discover Fly Fishing, as well as new entertainment sure to inspire everyone to get outside, including appearances the History Channels favorite Swamp People.

The 2012 Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow will include hundreds of new boats for sale, along with the latest marine, camping, fishing and hunting gear and accessories. Dozens of travel booths will feature resorts and outfitters, from the wilderness of northern Minnesota to the landscape of rugged Alaska, ready to help design the next outdoor adventure for everyone.

2012 show attractions include:

New! Meet History Channels Swamp People

Visitors can meet and hear stories from R.J. Molinere Jr. and his son Jay Paul from the hit series, Swamp People, who have made their lives hunting alligators. Jay Paul is also a championship arm wrestler and a Golden Gloves boxing champion. Check the show website for appearance times.

New! See the Famous Knife-Throwing Skills of Jack Dagger: The King of Fling

Jack Dagger, the King of Fling, is a world-renowned knife throwing comedian. He has been inducted into the International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame, won several World Championships, and has invented the first new knife throwing stunt in almost a hundred years: The Jack Knife Cucumber Slice (as seen on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien). Jack Dagger will perform daily at the show; check the show website for specific dates and times.

Ducks Unlimited Room

Attendees will be able to learn about waterfowl and wetlands conservation and kids will have the opportunity to paint and take home their own decoy, while supplies last.

Wild Turkey Room

The All New Wild Turkey Room will feature experts from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), shooting simulators, and a World Slam of wild turkeys on display. Kids will have the ability to make their own turkey calls to take home, while supplies last.

Discover Fly Fishing

Visitors can learn how to tie fly, watch casting demonstrations and find everything needed to get started or improve their fly fishing skills. Experts Bob Nasby, Vic Mason and Scott Nordby will provide the basics of getting started as well as specific instruction on topics including long distance casting, small stream casting, flies for bass and pike, and more.

Fish Tank Pro Demonstrations

Visitors can watch the regions pros do live casting demonstrations at the Fish Tank and get a glimpse underwater to see how Minnesota fish respond to various baits and casting techniques.

Trout Pond and Fishing Kids Book Giveaway

Kids can fish for live trout free at the pond (located in Lobby D) and take home a complimentary book from Fishing Kids (while supplies last), which encourages children to go outside and play with stories about fishing fun and the outdoor adventures of Spinner and Bobber.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 28 1PM 9PM

Thursday, March 29 1PM 9PM

Friday, March 30 11AM 9PM

Saturday, March 31 10AM - 9PM

Sunday, April 1 10AM 5PM

WHERE: Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South

Minneapolis, Minnesota

TICKETS: Tickets may be purchased online at NorthwestSportshow.com or onsite the day of the show and cost:

Adults (16 and older) $10

Senior Day, (Thursday, March 29th only, 62+) $7

Children (15 and younger) FREE

Web: Visit us at NorthwestSportshow.com on Twitter @NWSportshow or find us on Facebook.

Editors Note: Preview photos are available upon request. FREE wireless will be available in the exhibit halls during show hours.

Ryan White
Assistant Publicist, Wax Marketing
ryan@waxmarketing.com

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