‘They come from far and wide’

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Krystal Frohnapple of Dyer, Ind., watches her son, Caleb, pretend to drive a boat during the 28th annual Hammond (Ind.) Outdoor Sports Show at the Jean Shepherd Community Center on Jan. 28, 2012. | Charles Mitchell~For Sun-Times Media

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Updated: February 15, 2012 1:20PM

Calvin Smithfield and his brother, Cody, don’t normally travel too far from their Dearborn, Mich., home unless it’s to go fishing or hunting.

But they made an exception recently when they attended the 28th annual Hammond Outdoor Sports Show at the Jean Shepherd Community Center.

“Our dad brought us here for many years; it’s a tradition,” Cody said as he walked among the booths. “We get to see what’s new with hunting and fishing gear and usually find a bargain or two.”

Robert and Candy Frederick traveled from Berwyn, Ill., for the popular event.

“I became interested in fishing when we were dating,” Candy said. “It was so relaxing when he took me fishing — very quiet, so we got to know each other as I learned. It became a shared hobby.”

Now that the Fredericks are retired, their hobby will continue, she said.

Robin Behrens, manager of the center, said attendance at the two-day event was almost 5,000.

“They come from far and wide,” she said. “The show continues in popularity because people are always going to hunt and fish, and we’re near the Great Lakes.”

For those so inclined, hundreds of fishing rods and reels, artificial bait, boats, engines and miscellaneous gear were available for purchase from 123 vendors.

“I’ve been coming to this show for many, many years,” said Robert Richards of Zionsville. “It’s not around the corner from my house, but I don’t mind the travel.

“I’ve met many interesting people, and one of my favorite stops is the jerky booth.”

That would be vendor John’s Market from South Elgin, Ill. The menu included wild-game jerky such as barbecued venison, buffalo and elk, plus jerky sticks such as Black Pepper Boar, Fire Beef and Mild Alligator, among others.

“We’ve been at this show for more than 20 years,” said Gale Martin, manager of John’s Market. “The people who stop in know jerky, so we have quite a few to offer.”

Martin said gator jerky is the most popular of the 28 varieties.

Show organizers didn’t forget about the children. At the trout pond, sponsored by JV Enterprises, youngsters of all ages tried to catch a fish.

Manager Jim Vitaro kept the line moving, as each child was given a specific amount of time.

“Some of these kids have never seen a fishing pole, except in the movies,” Vitaro said. “It’s pure enjoyment on their faces when they catch a fish.”

Joey Toweson, 10, of Hammond patiently waited his turn.

“I know we have to throw them back, but I’d like to take mine home,” he said, laughing. “I don’t want to eat it; I just want to show my older brother I caught something. He thinks I can’t do anything.”

Minnow races were offered by the Hammond Parks and Recreation.

“It’s great that the little ones have something to do here,” said Marilyn Martin of Calumet City, Ill. “I’m here with my husband and four grandkids, so while he’s looking at a new fishing pole, we can sample some of the food and try the fishing pond.”

The pond proved to be a popular area for youngsters and adults.

“We come here every year, and I enjoy it, even though I don’t fish or hunt,” said Kari Hunter of Merrillville. “While my husband is looking for something new to buy, I look for birthday and Christmas gifts for the sportsmen in our family.

“And this pond is hilarious — the kids are so focused and the look of joy in their eyes when they catch something is priceless.”

The show began in 1984 at the Hammond Civic Center. It is geared toward those looking for new equipment, new ideas and tips, and networking with other enthusiasts. This year’s event again drew thousands of visitors from Northwest Indiana and out-of-towners.

“We wouldn’t miss this for the world,” said Jack Learman, who travels each year from Indianapolis with his four children. “Where else can I eat gator jerky while looking at what’s new in hunting and fishing? It’s all good.”