The first ever FSG Outdoor Show will be taking place on Saturday, May 17th at Friedensfeld Community Hall from 9am until 4pm.
Trevor Fehr is the owner and operator of Fehr’s Sporting Goods (FSG) in Steinbach. He says the idea for the show came to him because many members of his family own businesses in other provinces, and have been putting together shows for several years. He realized there was a gap in the market here in Southeast Manitoba.
“There isn’t really another show that focuses on hunting, fishing, and guns around here,” notes Fehr. “So we figured we should put one together.”
The lack of outdoors show is particularly interesting, considering that a large percentage of the population in the region are interested in, or already actively involved in, hunting and fishing.
“All of our family, all of our friends, they all hunt,” reflects Fehr. “Really everyone we know hunts, they fish, they love the outdoors. So this show is geared towards that kind of people – and there are a lot of them.”
The FSG Outdoor Show will encompass all aspects of the outdoors, with hunting guides and gun traders from across Manitoba. You’ll also meet custom bait makers, including a Ste. Anne company that makes bear bait.
“People are realizing that they don’t have to wait to go hunting in fall, when it’s deer season,” says Fehr. “They want to get out there more often, so they’re going bear hunting in spring, too.”
Another local business the show will feature, is Joe’s Firearm Safety, which is based in Steinbach.
“He's bringing a smokeless range,” reveals Fehr. “Joe has a projector system that allows you to handle firearms. It's like being on the gun range, but without all the noise. He has a variety of guns – pistols, shotguns, rifles, a hunting simulation, a range simulation – just a bunch of different things you can try out. Joe can also advise you on the process of getting your license.”
The show will also feature other makers, creators, and craftsmen, says Fehr, including leather workers, woodworkers, and bladesmiths, with an emphasis on local businesses.
Just like Fehr’s Sporting Goods is a family-owned shop, the Outdoors Show will be family-oriented as well, Fehr explains, with Island Beach Outdoors providing a colouring contest for the kids.
You’ll notice the Outdoors Show runs over the lunch hour, so be sure to come hungry, because the Grunthal CMC will be providing a canteen lunch fundraiser as well.
“It’s a lot more work than I thought it would be,” admits Fehr. “But it's coming together, so it should be a good show.”
The first annual Outdoors Show will be held from 9am until 4pm on Saturday, May 17th at the Friedensfeld Community Hall. Admission is just $5.
Fehr adds that there’s still space available for vendors. To apply, send him an email at fehrssportinggoods@gmail.com, call 431-205-6333, or just stop by the store at 14-90 Brandt Street in Steinbach.
To learn more about the event or about Fehr’s Sporting Goods, visit their website at www.fehrssportinggoods.com, or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.