The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a cold and snowy February.  But thousands of area residents will soon be enjoying the great outdoors INDOORS when the Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show runs from Wednesday, February 13 through Sunday, February 17 at the Monroeville Convention Center.

One of Pittsburgh’s great sports traditions, the region’s most comprehensive exhibition for hunting, fishing and camping enthusiasts brings all of the excitement and fun of the great outdoors right inside the cozy warmth of the Monroeville Convention Center.  This year’s 28th anniversary Show promises hundreds of state-of-the-art exhibits, dozens of demonstrations, and a top-notch line-up of respected seminar presenters. And because parking and admission for children age 12 and under are free, the Sport Show offers family fun and incredible value.

If you want to win 4 tickets to this show for any day between February 13-17 (since kids under 12 are free, you should use these tickets for adults and/or older kids), just leave a comment below. Rules: YOU MUST be a Beaver Valley Macaroni Kid subscriber to win. If you're not, just leave a comment below and I'll sign you up! You must be 18 years of age or over. Contest ends Tuesday, February 5. Winner will be contacted by email and has 24 hours to reply or we are forced to pick another winner. Tickets will be mailed to your home. Complete contest rules are here. 

This year’s Sport Show also offers several special features for families on a budget, including:

Free Youth Hunting Vests
Safari Club International will distribute free fluorescent orange hunting vests to the first 50 young people, age 15 and younger, who visit SCI’s booth on Saturday and Sunday.

Free Youth Life Jacket Safety
On Saturday and Sunday, the first 50 children who register at the PA Fish & Boat Commission’s booth and attend the safety seminar will receive a free PFD life jacket.

City Of Champions Favorites
Black and gold fans won’t want to miss special appearances by Pittsburgh Steelers QB Charlie Batch from 5 – 6 pm on Wednesday, February 13 and Guard Doug Legursky from 11 am – noon on Saturday, February 16.  Both will pose for photos and sign autographs for fans.  Buccos fans can also get in on the fun with a special appearance by the Pirate Parrot from 1 – 2 pm on Saturday, February 16. 

New This Year -- Wild World Of Animals
Those with a penchant for exotic adventure won’t want to miss the Show’s Wild World of Animals.  In his first ever appearance at the Sports Show, Pittsburgh’s own Grant Kemmerer will showcase his wild menagerie of exotic and lethal creatures including an African spotted leopard, cougar, North American grizzly bear, albino monocle cobra, and even a 100+ lb alligator!  Kemmerer’s fast-paced, entertaining and education program is full of laughs and spine-tingling animal adventures.

“We see a wide range of visitors each year,” explained Show Producer Chris Fassnacht.  “Some are avid fans of outdoor sports.  Others are just once-in-a-while participants.  Some of folks who are looking for a great deal.  The Allegheny Sport Show is a great resource for all of them because we offer solid information, state-of-the-art products, and some of the lowest prices of the season – all in one convenient location.”

Among local outdoor sports authorities, the Allegheny Sport Show is particularly noted for its depth of state-of-the-art equipment that’s often difficult to locate at local retailers.  But less experienced sportsmen will also want to stop by to check out the rods, reels, lures, hunting gear, electronic navigational devices and other equipment.

And those planning spring and summer vacations will want to chat with the Show’s many seasoned travel professionals.  On-the-go types can coordinate fun family camping adventures, adventuresome fishing charters, and even once-in-a-lifetime hunting excursions in exotic locales.  At this year’s Show, professional travel planners are expected to be on hand from as close as Ohio Pyle and as far away as Alaska and even Africa.

Admission to the 2013 Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free with paid adult admission. $2 off coupons for the show are available at participating McDonald’s restaurants.  More than 40,000 parking spaces are available free of charge.

Show hours are:      
Wednesday, Feb. 13     3 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 14         3 - 9 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 15               Noon - 9 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 16          10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 17             10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For the complete schedule of fishing, hunting, boating, and travel seminars and Wild World of Animals adventures, visit the Show’s website at www.sportandtravel.com.

One of the country’s oldest show producers, Expositions, Inc. has produced almost 300 events in its 76-year history.  More than 15 million consumers have attended their shows. For more information about the Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show, call Expositions, Inc. at 1-800-600-0307.