If you’re looking for something to do in the great outdoors the 11th annual Sportsmen’s Outdoor Expo was the place to get information.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley and Sen. David Argall sponsored the event held at the Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Company #1, with over 30 exhibitors.

“We’re promoting outdoor activities for the old and the young. We want to let people in the Carbon County area know we have a lot to offer. People can ask questions right here rather than out in the field,” said Heffley.

Over 500 people attended the event to learn more about what there is to do outside in Carbon and surrounding counties. State Troopers, Blue Mountain, Fish and Game Commission, Beltzville State Park, Andreas Sports Club and Carbon County Environmental Center were among the exhibitors.

Frank Beckett from the Carbon County Animal Rescue Team explained, “We are an emergency response team for domestic and agricultural animals.”

This all-volunteer organization teaches CPR for animals and are trained by Penn State.

Also, all volunteer, the Lehigh River Stocking Association stocks the waters from Jim Thorpe to Northampton, covering 27 miles.

Tom Gyory said, ”We help people find fishing spots and have a brand-new map of fishing areas on the Lehigh River.”

They will be holding a fishing tournament beginning on May 3 through June 6, kicking off at the East Penn/Bowmanstown boat ramp from 8 a.m. to noon on May 3.

Bob Swaim’s goal is to “give kids things to do that don’t involve electronics or batteries. I’m trying to get people off the computer and use environmentally friendly toys.”

Swaim was performing and teaching juggling, a gyroscope used by two, and how to twirl plates on a stick.

Christian Stephen from Blue Mountain Resort explained, “We have outdoor laser tag, an aerial park, mountain biking, and a summer camp, which offers both day and overnight camps.

Kids fishing, weddings, a shooting range and car shows are some of the things offered by the Andreas Sport Club. They also raised funds to help the community and recently donated $4,000 to the West End Fire Company.

Rangers from Hickory Park explained that they take care of three parks, Hickory Run, Lehigh Gorge Park and Nescopeck Park.

Ranger Bill Milburn said, “We’re helping people understand how to be safe and what to bring for safety to enjoy the outdoors.”

Whether you were looking for something relaxing in the outdoors or where to take a walk, fish or cycle it was wonderful to have all the information gathered in one place and have an opportunity to find out what is available in the local area.