Louisiana Boat, Sport & RV Show

Louisiana is called the “Sportsman’s Paradise” state for a reason n we love us some outdoors.

One event knows that better than any other, annually bringing the best of all realms of outdoor life under the roof of the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.

The Southern Louisiana Boat, Sport and RV Show will again make Houma its home this month, rolling through the area from Jan. 13-15.

The show, entering its 14th year, is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to fill their outdoor toolbox before the warm Louisiana outdoor months.

“This show offers all of the latest and great boats, RVs, and gosh, marina accessories, fishing gear, really just everything you can think of,” BAC Productions marketing director and event promoter Sheldon Caple said. “Anything that the outdoorsman would be interested in n if they want to see what’s new, this show is the place to see it all in one place.”

The primary focus of the annual show is the products n the best the world of outdoors has to offer.

Countless retailers will line the civic center to showcase their crafts. The end result is a dream for buyers because not only are the best products under one roof, but they are also reasonably priced as rival companies try to lure the attention of those in attendance.

“This is the place to come and get some of the best deals of the year,” Caple said. “You don’t have to drive around. You don’t have to go store to store. Here, you have all of these dealers from across the state in one place. … And they are all competing for business while there, so that’s usually when they have some of their best deals.”

But if you’re just a window shopper or an outdoorsman looking for a good time, this show is still the place to go.

Caple said what makes the show special are its countless attractions, which are annual fan favorites and are also the reason why people are encouraged to bring the kiddos along for this weekend of fun.

One attraction Caple believes will be a hit is the World’s Outstanding Whitetail Collection, which is a collection of 16 of the biggest Whitetail deer ever on display in one place.

“They call it a stunning collection,” he said. “That’s new this year, but we’re excited. We think that’s something people will really enjoy.”

Joining the deer exhibit will be annual favorites like the 5,000-gallon glass-walled bass tub where professional anglers will be on display to give hands-on tips to aspiring fishermen looking to haul in a lunker this fishing season.

“You can learn how to manage certain baits and just different tricks with some of the new products,” Caple said.

Another treat for fishermen and kiddies alike is the Fish-O-Rama Rainbow Trout Pond where children can put their fishing skills to the test.

The best night to try this entertaining task with your son or daughter may be on Friday, which is family night at the show.

During this night, children less than 12 years old are admitted for free and are also given a one-time fishing trip in the pond.

“Absolutely,” Caple said definitively when asked if this is a fun event for children. “We encourage the parents to bring their young ones along. There’s things for them at the show.”

Hunting, fishing and camping are all great n this show has that by the droves.

But everyone needs a little Hollywood in their weekend, right?

The boat show still has that to offer.

Famous reality TV stars “Trapper” Joe, “Trigger” Tommy, Liz Cavalier and Glenn and Mitchell Guist, all from the hit TV series “Swamp People” are confirmed to appear at the event for the second-straight year.

Caple said that he does not know the exact times that each will appear at the event, but those interested can visit www.bacshows.com before the Jan. 13 to see an official schedule.

He added that having the semi-celebrities on the slate gives new flavor to the weekend.

“They just get more and more popular every year,” he said.

Admission to the show is $7 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-15. Admission for children younger than 6 is free.

The show’s hours are from 1-8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. n 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. n 5 p.m. on Sunday.

With such a wide range of hours, Caple said he hopes to see you and your family in attendance.

He believes you won’t regret it.

“People come back every year,” he said. “It’s a good time. And it’s a good place to stock up before those outdoor months roll around.”