Saturday’s rain did not deter attendees to the Annual Sportsmen’s and Outdoor Expo hosted by state Rep. Doyle Heffley. The expo was held at the Penn Forest One Fire Company, Route 903, in Penn Forest Township.

Heffley’s office has been hosting the expo for more than a decade. There were approximately 30 area agencies and organizations, with approximately 500 visitors.

“We have pretty much all the state agencies and local agencies, gun clubs, hunting clubs, fishing clubs, conservation clubs, outdoor activities, ski resorts, visitors, bureau, anything that has anything to do with outdoor sports or activities,” Heffley said.

Representatives from agencies like the Fish & Boat Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, state police, Carbon County Sheriff’s Department, and the Carbon County District Attorney’s offices were on hand to help people learn more about gun laws, and hunting and fishing laws, as well as teach about safety.

“We did a hunter safety course earlier today in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, so we have a lot of young people who are learning for the first time, gun safety and experiencing the outdoors,” Heffley said.

Other area businesses and organizations fielded questions about their groups.

Michelle Roque-Millikin, of Long Pond, was there to represent Pocono Whitewater, which has a variety of open job positions.

“We are hiring for all departments,” Roque-Millikin said. “Interested parties can call 1-800-WHITEWATER to learn more.”

Bob Dunstan, Secretary of the Nesquehoning Conservation Club, talked about his club.

“Kovatch gave us this land about nine years ago and we turned it into a conservation club. We’ve got a three-acre pond we stock with fish. We built a covered pavilion with six picnic tables that we rent out to organizations.”

A variety of other organizations were there. The Pohopoco Rod & Gun Club, The Lehigh River Stocking Association, Beaver Run Rod & Gun Club, the Palmerton Gun Club, Bronson EBikes, The Carbon Animal Rescue Team, Carbon County Veterans Affairs, and The Carbon County Environmental Education Center.

“We want to preserve our nature, preserve our forests here, but always want people to enjoy them,” Heffley said. “That’s what this is all about.”