Northwoods Adventure: 42nd Annual Home, Sport & Travel Show Brings In Over 100 Vendors

The Home, Sport & Travel Show is a three-day event that is run by the Bemidji Jaycees.

“I think a lot of people look to this show as being the kick-off for the year. So they come here and they plan their home repairs, so they plan their outdoor gardening or their summer vacations. So I really feel that this is opening up the door for the rest of the year for spring and summer,” said Twila Bolte, the Home, Sport & Travel Show Co-Chair.

This year, organizers changed the layout of the venue to make it easier for people attending to see all the businesses that were available.

“We felt that by pulling them all into one central location – be it the arena or the hallway surrounding the arena – then it will all be in one layout essentially, so you could just walk in and snake through our vendors and see them all, and you wouldn’t have to go into separate rooms and things like that. “ Bolte said.

There were over 100 vendors at the Sanford Center.

“We have a little bit of everything so hopefully that reaches out to a lot of different people,” Bolte said. “You know, you don’t have to be in search of one thing, you can come here and see it all.”

Many people come to show with their families because it gives them something to do.

“We just came to look at things and see what was going on,” said attendee Chris White. “Something for the kids to do.”

It also gives businesses a chance to get their brand out to the public. Itasca Sports owner Caren Smith said she’s trying to get local people to visit.

“We get a lot of people from Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Grand Forks, Fargo, so we’re just trying to draw in our local crowd to come out to Itasca State Park. “ Smith said.

The Home, Sport & Travel Show is a place that brings together a wide range of businesses with people all under one roof.