Annual Sportsman Show in Timmins showcases new motorsport vehicles

The Schumacher Lions Club Sportsman Show is one of the longest-running events in Timmins — and it’s all organized by volunteers.

“If you look around, there’s lots of neat stuff for people,” said John McCauley.

“Every year we try to make it a little bit different.”

For the past 77 years, the event has brought together businesses that sell motorsport vehicles, hunting and fishing gear, and other items that appeal to those who call the north home.

“Many people have dreams and aspirations to have things and this showcases all those dreams and aspirations that we desire,” said Dino Colasacco, a LINE-X owner.

“Having a dream makes our lives far more interesting and at the same time, enjoyable. It’s our northern Ontario thing. But besides that, it’s to get out with the family, be active.”

A beautiful ride

For the outdoor extremists – a new high-performance side-by-side by Can-Am is on display.

“A beautiful ride. Go over any terrain … Can-Am. I mean, you can’t beat it,” said Mike Mason, owner of Mikey’s General Sales and Service.

“We’re a hunting and fishing community, so everybody likes the toys, so we’re here for them.”

The Shumacher Lions Club said the $5 admission fee — children 10 and under get in free — goes back into the community.

“We’ve given thousands of dollars to the Timmins and District Hospital, and we’ve helped people go down south to doctors’ appointments,” said McCauley.

“We help people that can’t afford dentures and eyeglasses and stuff like that. We’ve got a beautiful park that we maintain (and) it all costs money.”

McCauley said there are around 80 exhibitors offering something for everyone. The weekend-long event also includes a Birds of Prey show, activities for children and raffles.

The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, a conservation club, has been a vendor for the past 10 years.

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“The folks up here are just so welcoming and just understanding,” said Chris Geberdt, co-chair of Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular.

“They like supporting conservation and Toronto’s tough crowd. It’s city folk and just a different understanding of the outdoors in northern Ontario.”

The Sportsman Show is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the McIntrye Community Centre.