NRA Great American Outdoor Show Attendance Nears Pre-Pandemic Peak

by
posted on February 22, 2022
GAOS Logo

Large crowds filled with smiling faces packed exhibit halls at this year’s NRA Great American Outdoor Show, held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 5-13. After state pandemic restrictions brought the show to a halt in 2021, the NRA was thrilled to return to Dauphin County for the world’s largest outdoor show.

Over 165,000 people made the trip to Harrisburg for GAOS, and local officials estimate that the show contributes $75 million to the local economy each year. This year’s attendance came close to the record setting turnout of approximately 179,000 GAOS experienced in 2020. Covering 650,000 square feet, this year’s show included more than 1,000 exhibitors demonstrating products and technologies that drive the way we work and play outdoors, along with hunting and fishing outfitters, both domestic and international.

“After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Great American Outdoor Show roared back to life welcoming outdoor enthusiasts and vendors from every corner of the globe and gave NRA members and like-minded friends the opportunity to once again gather to celebrate our cherished hunting and outdoor heritage,” said Joseph DeBergalis, executive director of NRA General Operations. “Simply put, there is no show in the world of this size and scope, and we are grateful for the continued support of our members, exhibitors, and local partners in south central Pennsylvania.”

The show kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included the presentation of a $29,900 NRA Foundation grant to the Dauphin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Other organizations that were awarded grants included Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the Kutztown Area High School Rifle Team, the Hawk Mountain Council of Boy Scouts of America, and the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Navy Junior ROTC Marksmanship Team. In addition, the NRA honored Pennsylvania resident and NRA Board member Maria Heil and Jeff Haste, former Chairman of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners, with the Great American Outdoor Show Patriot of the Year award.

Each 2022 GAOS exhibition hall—shooting sports, archery, outdoor lifestyle and products, hunting outfitters, fishing and boats—was overflowing with exhibitors, including firearms and outdoor industry juggernauts. Attendees relished the opportunity to interact with industry insiders and like-minded individuals, along with checking out all the new products on display. As for exhibitors, a dedicated consumer show like GAOS is a prime opportunity to forge a deeper connection with true fans of their products, as well as receive valuable end-user feedback.

Additionally, at GAOS there were hundreds of outfitters to book hunting and fishing adventures around the country and worldwide, plus hunting and archery equipment, fishing tackle, trucks, boats, ATVs and RVs on display. The 2022 schedule also featured world-class hunting and fishing education over nine days of demonstrations and seminars.

Attendees and their families could compete for bragging rights at the archery range, spend time at the expanded Eddie Eagle Kid’s Zone, observe dogs with amazing acrobatic abilities at the Dock Dogs big air pool and visit the Kid’s Trout Pond for some angling action. And no visit to GAOS is complete without buying a ticket for a chance to win a firearm at the famous NRA Wall of Guns.

Learn more at greatamericanoutdoorshow.org.

Latest

Folding LWC Lede
Folding LWC Lede

First Look: Rossi LWC Folding Stock

Rossi's Lightweight Carbine (LWC) has been a favorite truck gun and scouting rifle for hunters since its introduction. Now, Rossi USA is taking it a step further with the launch of the Rossi LWC Folding Stock—available both as a complete rifle and as an easy-to-install accessory for current LWC owners.

Safe Gun Storage After Hunting Season

With the close of deer seasons, many hunters have stored their firearms. While the basics of gun safety are covered in hunter education programs, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently issued a reminder that storage out of season should be reviewed by sportsmen.

Federal Ammunition Adds 10mm Auto to Power-Shok Line

Federal Ammunition has added a new 10mm Auto, 200-grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) load to its Handgun Hunting Power-Shok ammunition product line.

#SundayGunday: Colt Kodiak

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the 4.25-inch barreled Colt Kodiak revolver. Chambered in hard-charging .44 Magnum, this surprisingly smooth shooter is the perfect companion for the backcountry hunter in bear country.

Remington Ammunition Announces Pull, Shoot, Save! Shotshell Rebate

Remington Ammunition recently announced its Pull, Shoot, Save! Rebatewhich offers consumers the chance to buy some of Remington’s best target loads and receive up to $50 back. This promotion runs through June 30, 2025.

XS Sights Introduces Handguard for Henry Lever-Action Rifles

Designed for modern lever-action enthusiast who want to upgrade their Henry rifle, this highly customizable handguard is equipped with six M-LOK slots on each side and seven on the bottom to accommodate a wide array of accessories.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.