Information and Background
Early in 2010 a small group of people began discussing the idea of providing the people of South Central Kentucky with an outdoor expo. These individuals had traveled to Nashville and Louisville to big shows but felt they could put together something just as beneficial for their local community. Additionally, they wanted to use the outdoor expo to serve as a outreach ministry so that those people who hunt, fish, and enjoy being outdoors could also take just a moment to learn about God's salvation.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of many, many people the first ever South Central Kentucky Outdoor Expo was held on August 21, 2010. Nearly 1,500 attendees came through the doors to visit the 50 plus exhibitors and we gave away an ATV as our main door prize. We immediately knew that there would be another expo next year and that we had to expand. In 2011 we moved to a larger location and expanded to nearly 100 exhibitors from seven states and had 1,700 people to come through the door. We were excited to invite back Gary Miller, writer of the syndicated article “Outdoor Truths,” who delivered an inspiring message aimed at “…revealing God’s truths to the outdoorsman.” Gary's message was a tremendous blessing both years. The 2011 expo concluded with the main giveaway of a 2011 John Deere Gator thanks to the support of Limestone Farm Equipment.
The third expo was held in 2012 and brought even more to the day! We partnered with the Kentucky Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation to host the Kentucky State Turkey Calling and Still Target Championships. Thanks to the support of the Don Franklin Family of Dealerships we were able to give away over $2,500 in cash and prizes. NWTF national spokesperson and "The First Lady of Hunting," Brenda Valentine ended the day as our keynote speaker. Once again, we were able to give away a John Deere Gator as our grand prize for attendees. Nearly 2000 people viewed the 100 booths of hunting, fishing, and outdoor-related merchandise.
In 2013, the expo's success continued. We had a full expo of 100 booths and approximately 2,000 people viewing products. Gordon Whittington gave the overflowing crowd an inspirational message at the end of the day before we again gave away a new John Deere Gator. Earlier in the day, competitors competed in the NWTF Kentucky State Turkey Calling and Still Target Championships. The 2013 expo also featured expert seminars from Gordon Whittington, Jimmy Rodgers, Mark Menendez, and Rex Holmes, Jr.
The 2014 expo continued to bring new exhibitors to the show. Nearly 2,000 people once again had the opportunity to see the latest hunting, fishing, and outdoor products. The NWTF Kentucky State Turkey Calling Championships and Still Target Championships were additional highlights of the day. Attendees once again had a chance to win a new John Deere Gator given away in partnership with Limestone Farm Lawn Worksite. The day ended with Mark Menendez, Bassmaster Elite Series Professional Angler, delivering the keynote address and his personal testimony.
The sixth expo, held in 2015, was another success. The exhibitors and sponsors of the various contests along with a great lineup of professional speakers for the seminars made this expo the best yet. We were honored to have Harold Knight as our keynote speaker. Additionally, the expo hosted, for the first time, the Kentucky State Duck Calling Championship. The duck calling joined the Kentucky State Turkey Calling and Still Target championships.
Expo number seven, held in 2016, brought back many vendors and exhibitors that the crowds have enjoyed every year. The Kentucky State Duck Calling Championship was hosted at the expo for the second year and the Kentucky NWTF State Turkey Calling and Still Target championships were hosted for the fifth year at the expo. Our keynote speaker, Pastor Andrew Green, delivered an encouraging and inspirational message.
The eighth expo was held on August 5, 2017, and was another huge success. Turkey calling, duck calling, and still target competitions brought competitors from near and far. Many new vendors were available to showcase their wide assortment of hunting, fishing, and outdoor products. Famed outdoorsman Hank Parker delivered an inspirational message to end the day.
Expo number nine was held on August 4, 2018. We welcomed nearly 2,000 people through the doors to see the 100 exhibit booths. Once again, we were proud to be host of the Kentucky NWTF State Turkey Calling Championships. Gary Miller, a primary inspiration for the first expo, returned to speak at the close of the day.
The 2019 expo will feature many of the exhibitors you have requested to see and, of course, new ones. We truly hope you will enjoy this day and take advantage of the many exhibitors who are going to be showcasing their products.