Adventure events not to miss in 2016

Hopefully, every reader will enjoy this holiday season, which, of course, includes lots of glitter, bright lights and fellowship as families gather, friends mingle, and sharing prevails.

Beside all those nice things, I sincerely hope that we all keep foremost in our minds and hearts what this day is all about, the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Calling all outdoorsmen

The season also marks the end of another quick year and for outdoor enthusiasts, the time to look forward to the coming months of 2016.

Some upcoming events include the ever popular Cleveland Boat Show and its IX Center partner, the annual Sport and Adventure Show — a vastly improved re-make of the old Cleveland Sport Show.

The boat show, correctly titled The Cleveland Mid-American Boat Show, runs five days, Jan. 14-18 and the sport show, correctly named the Cleveland Sport Adventure Show, runs just three days, Jan. 15-17.

Boaters can expect to see more boats on an expanded footprint than last year while hunters, anglers, and travelers will enjoy a better than ever sport show, now owned by Erie Promotions — a highly capable and imaginative company that puts on several shows in the region.

Keep in mind that both of these shows are under the same roof at the same time and that both are the biggest and best in their respective fields.

Boaters who are considering a new boat will have five days to scour the offerings of several top regional dealers who will offer the best deals of the year at what has always been the top “buying” show in the nation. Serious shoppers who are replacing a currently owned boat are encouraged to bring recent pictures of their trade.

Sports show relocated

One of the longest running local sport shows has relocated. The Eastwood Expo Center is gone, making room for new development at the busy mall in Niles.

The Niles Sportsman’s Show and Sale didn’t move far and will now be held at the McMenamy’s Banquet Center, 325 state Route 422, Niles, March 4-6.

ODNR season wrap-up

All deer hunters are invited to speak their piece, happy or hungry, at a season ending meeting to be held at the ODNR’s Wildlife District Three Headquarters, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Jan. 30.

There will be two sessions beginning at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and pre-registration is required no later than Jan. 22. Space is limited so registration will be first come. Wildlife officials suggest registering as early as possible if you would like to be heard.

Officials are looking for hunter based opinions about the current management goals as wildlife managers attempt to balance deer that all stakeholders can live with. Call 330-644-2293 to register.