January 8, 2009
From TheKCGuy
The Kansas City SportShow runs all week this week. It's actually the Kansas City Boat and SportShow now that the old boat show as been merged into it. But, that didn't stop it from being quite a bit smaller this year. I think the footage is cut about in half, removing many of the exhibits for the larger, more expensive items. There are hardly any large boats and many fewer RVs and other vehicles. That's unfortunate for someone like me who rarely considers buying anything, but enjoyes the show as more of a show than a shopping trip.
So, what is there this year? As always, there are a ton of booths selling hunting and fishing trips to destinations all over the midwest and west. Some are selling the types of products you'd see on informercials such as chamois cloths, belts, knives, cookware, and beef jerky. There is a reasonable display of a few boats, personal watercraft, RVs, and other vehicles. But, most importantly, the old standbys are still there. These include the trout fishing pond where you can stand around and try to catch the same trout over and over. Also returning this year is the guy who fishes in the trailer aquarium. Both of these collections of fish must be really tired of the routine by now.
Don't pay more than $5 for parking. You can probably do better in some of the nearby lots. Admission to the show itself is $9, but you can get discounts for being excessively young, excessively old, or a Chopper Shopper club member.
