Kansas Sports, Boat and Travel Show returns to Kansas Pavilions

One of the surest signs spring is coming has arrived.

No, it’s not longer days or the long flocks of northbound geese in the skies.

It’s the 58th annual Sports, Boat and Travel Show, which runs through Sunday.

“Things are looking pretty good, with more exhibitors and vendors than we’ve had in several years,” said Vilma Fraguada, Progressive Insurance Kansas Sports, Boat and Travel Show vice president. “We tried to get a lot more aggressive with attracting businesses that would be a good fit for a sports show.”

Fraguada said this year’s event will have about 125 vendors in the Kansas Pavilions, 1229 E. 85th St. North. This is the second year the show has been in the building east of the Kansas Coliseum.

“It’s been a challenging venue because it’s a smaller space, but we’ve figured out where to put things so each exhibit does well,” she said.

As well as the displays of boats, RVs, vacation destinations and assorted outdoors equipment, visitors can attend daily seminars by Gary McKechnie, an award-winning travel writer, author and humorist.

Fraguada said he specializes in presentations that weave destinations, history and humor together.

“Even the children who don’t like history have fun,” she said.

There will also be bass fishing seminars and frequent duck races for children.

The public can also view and vote on the finalists for The Wichita Eagle’s Great Outdoors Photo Contest and register to win free outdoors photos taken by Eagle photographers.

All who submitted photos to the contest should have a free admission ticket waiting at the show’s ticket window.