Big Indiana Bass

Kid and family-friendly exhibits and attractions are fun for all ages

INDIANAPOLIS –  December 11, 2013
The Ford 60th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show has been serving up heaping helpings of quality, family recreation and entertainment for the past 60 years.  “Our company started as a family business and it still is today,” says show organizer Kevin Renfro of Renfro Productions and Management, whose staple Indiana outdoor show is designed to help other families enjoy positive, meaningful experiences together in the great outdoors.  “It’s what we do,” continues Renfro, “and we carry that same theme of making the outdoors fun indoors into our show each year.”

The largest outdoor show of its kind, the Ford 60th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show returns to the Indiana State Fairgrounds February 14-23, 2014, and includes the 23rd Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo during its opening weekend (Feb. 14-16) and an expanded 17th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo during its closing weekend (Feb. 20-23).  Attending families are invited to “Find Their Adventures” through fun and exciting features and attractions offered throughout the entire ten-day event.

Shark Encounter
Sharks are fascinating creatures that play a critical role in the health of our oceans.  And while they probably hope to never run into one, kids are extremely interested in them.  The thrilling Shark Encounter exhibit, open daily at this year’s show, will captivate the entire family as they watch human divers come face to face with live sharks in a 5,000 gallon saltwater tank.  Entertainment and education intersect at this can’t-miss exhibit, which also includes a life-size great white shark jaw replica and extensive and interesting information on our planet’s top aquatic predators.

Scout Day
Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the USA have helped to shape and strengthen the character of millions of America’s youth over these organizations’ combined 216-year history.  In recognition and celebration of scouting’s contributions to our society, Monday, Feb. 17 will provide a full day of special programs and hands-on activities especially for Scouts, including tent pitching, canoe packing, kayak paddling and casting.  Scouts will receive a special patch for their participation.  In addition, a variety of informational seminars of special interest to Scouts will also be offered.  These entertaining and informative seminars on fishing, camping, back packing and more are geared for scouts, but are sure to be appreciated by all who attend.  “Scouting is a great American tradition,” says Ford 60th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show organizer, Kevin Renfro.  “And we’re thrilled to be able to offer these opportunities to our state and local scouting communities,” he continues.  In addition to special discounted admission available in advance online, each scout who attends Scout Day in uniform will receive a free climb on the show’s Peak Adventure Rock Wall and free fishing at the trout pond.

Youth Archery Range
The Youth Archery Range, located in Expo Hall at the 17th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo, is a fantastic and safe opportunity to introduce young ones to the great sport of archery. Kids will be instructed on bow safety and proper shooting techniques by the professional staff of the Indiana Bow Hunters Association.  The Youth Archery Range will be open each day of the 17th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo, February 20-23.

Tackle Town Kids’ Trout Fishing
Fishing is America’s most popular recreational pastime, and the 70,000-square-foot Tackle Town is the place to be for all things fishing while visiting the Ford 60th Annual Ford Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show.  In addition to great deals on lures, equipment and tackle that simply can’t be found anywhere else, Tackle Town has its very own Kids’ Trout Fishing Pond, open daily, where youngsters can wet a line and catch live trout!

Tiny Tots Test Track
Let the little ones ride at the Tiny Tots Test Track, set up in Expo Hall, February 14-16 at the 23rd Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo.  The Tiny Tot Test Track provides the test track, motorcycle and safety apparel for your future bikers. It’s a real riding experience that’s sure to please any youngster.  The only problem will be getting your kids to leave.  In conjunction with the Tiny Tots Test Track, ABATE of Indiana will have the “ABATE Children’s Motorcycle Adventure” with several additional hands on activities geared toward kids.

Honey Creek Tackle Kid’s Day
Kids love coming to the show.  And on Saturday, February 22 they love it even more when the first 500 kids through the door receive a rod and reel combo courtesy of Honey Creek Tackle.

Kids Fishing Fun Seminar
Outdoor writer and radio show host Dan Armitage will be back in Indianapolis to conduct his entertaining seminars on the Hawg Trough at this year’s show.  In addition to his outdoor communications and fishing work, Armitage works with the national Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs program to conduct educational fishing seminars for youths across North America. Dan’s popular Kids Fishing Fun seminar will be given each Saturday and Sunday of the show, and is an entertaining and educational show that actively engages kids and gets them excited about and interested in the sport of fishing.

All New Peak Adventure Rock Wall
Kids love climbing, but are they ready for the Rock?  This custom-designed mobile rock wall stands 24-feet tall and adds a dash of extreme sports to the show.  Open daily in the Champions Pavilion, the Peak Adventure Rock Wall is open to anyone who wants to give rock climbing a try – including adults -- in a safe environment. The Wall is a kid favorite, and is consistently one of the most popular exhibits at the Ford 60th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show.

For the latest information on show features and attractions, general show information, or to purchase tickets online, go to IndySportShow.com.

Ford 60th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show hours:
Friday, Feb. 14:  2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturdays, Feb. 15 & 22:  10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sundays, Feb. 16 & 23:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 17:  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday, Feb. 18 & 19:  2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday & Friday, Feb. 20 & 21:  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Admission prices: 
$13 Adults
$11 Seniors (60+)
$8   Kids (6-12)
FREE  All kids 5 and under