Trappers_exhibition_09-15

Jeff Green | Apr 16, 2009

One of the surest signs of spring on Highway 41 is the annual Outdoor Sports & Trappers Show put on by the Frontenac Addington Trappers Council, the Conservationists of Frontenac Addington and the Land o' Lakes Gun Club.

This free event, which runs from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, April 19 at the Northbrook Lions Hall features a range of family-friendly activities centred on the great outdoors.

New to the exhibition this year will be a demonstration by the Ministry of Natural Resources Canine Unit between 1 and 2 pm.

Milt Houle, the long-time organizer of the event, said that the MNR canine unit has a different function than the OPP unit. “They are probably used to sniff out illegal game or investigate other outdoor crimes or in rescue situations, but people will have to come out to see everything the dogs do. It should be pretty interesting,” said Milt Houle

Other popular features of the exhibition will be back this year, including the fish pond for the children, sponsored once again this year by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

There will also be skinning demonstrations by the trappers, and Don Harron, a certified antler scorer, will be on hand again this year. The army cadets will be set up at the show this year, and there will be log cutting demonstrations and chain saw carving, along with a variety of vendors from near and far.

Refreshments in the form of coffee, donuts, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available on site.

“It really is a neat event for the size of it,” says Milt Houle of a project he has shepherded for years, “and it takes place when it is too early for gardening or most other outdoors activities. People always have a good time when they come out, and that's what makes it worthwhile for us to put it on. And afterwards, people can head over to the Lighthouse Restaurant for fish and chips or to the new Addison's Restaurant down the road .”