Montana Sportsman’s Expo to Be Biggest Yet at Fairgrounds

Since brothers Dennis and George Johnson started running the Montana Sportsman’s Expo eight years ago, it has become a highly anticipated annual event for outdoor recreationists in the Flathead Valley, attracting over 60 vendors and an average of 4,500 visitors each year.

This year, the Johnsons are preparing for their biggest expo yet, with 80 vendors filling up both the trade center and expo building at Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell.

George Johnson points out that the expo, held Feb. 22-24, covers nearly every corner of the outdoor recreation industry, including rafting, hunting, fly fishing, campers, power sports equipment and much more.

“Everyone thinks we’re a hunting and fishing show, but that’s why we call it a sportsman’s expo — we’re not limited to hunting and fishing,” Johnson said.

The Johnsons took over the expo from a previous operator who was struggling to attract vendors. George Johnson said he and his brother, who run their own businesses outside of the expo, said they took the reins in part because they were enduring a slow winter but also because they felt it was important for the region.

“We didn’t want to see the sports show not here, so we took it on, and I think we kind of created a monster,” he said. “We’re big enough this year that we rented the trade and expo building.”

The expo building will serve as a showroom for Gardner’s RV and Trailer Center, while the trade center will be lined with the other 80 or so vendors.

The list of exhibitors is indeed diverse, including businesses large and small plus nonprofits and government agencies: Costco; battery sellers; raft companies; auto dealers; Creston National Fish Hatchery; fishing charters; fly shops; hunting organizations; Cabela’s; chiropractors; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Trout Unlimited; Mule Deer Foundation; power sports equipment distributors; taxidermists; and much more.

“We have lot of repeat vendors,” Johnson said, a sign that the expo has been good for their businesses or missions.

There will also be food and drink vendors, including barbecue, coffee, ice cream and beer.

The Johnsons strive to make the expo a fun community event for entire families, not simply a trade show. There will be a fishing pond donated by the Creston National Fish Hatchery, archery bow shoot, fly-tying theater, fly-casting contest, trophy wall, big buck contest, trail camera contest, rock climbing wall and educational seminars.

Additionally, a $1,000 gift card to Army Navy Store, one of the expo’s sponsors, will be given away each day. Every attendee is entered into the raffle with admission, plus a raffle for hourly prizes.

The Johnson brothers were born and raised in the Flathead Valley and are avid outdoorsmen. They say their goal is to “assure Montanans have access to the latest and greatest outdoor gear and activities to truly enjoy their own expansive backyard,” all year long.

Admission is $7 per person, with children 12 and under free. Visitors who bring a non-perishable food item receive $1 off admission, with donations going to the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry. Only cash and cards — not checks — are accepted. An ATM is available onsite.

The expo’s hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“We’re giving away tons of stuff, and there will be lots of great vendors,” George Johnson said. “Should be fun.”

For more information, visit www.montanasportsmanexpo.com. The expo is also holding a “deal of the week” on Facebook this week leading up to the event.