HARRISBURG - When the National Rifle Association previewed its second edition of the Great American Outdoor Show, which begins its nine-day run today at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, one could quickly see that what already was the nation's largest outdoors show of its kind was even bigger.

Yes, there are more than 1,000 hunting, fishing and outdoors-related sports and equipment exhibitors; yes, there are more than 250 free seminars; and yes there are all types of contests from 3D archery to game calling.More than that, however, are the exciting interactive events that are expressly involved for families and all ages.Families attending the show can experience some group fun at the Family Fun Zone in the Hunting Outfitter Hall. This special kid-friendly area is open every day and features stations for camouflage face painting, magnetic fishing, barrel racing, wildlife identification, suction cup archery, LaserShot and more great activities for all ages."This year's events are a great opportunity for the entire family to test their outdoor sports skills in a fun environment," NRA Shows and Exhibits managing director Jeff Poole said. "Between the show's events, seminars, the NRA Foundation Banquet and the NRA Country Concert with Lee Brice and Thompson Square, there's so much to do at the Great American Outdoor Show."Locally, the Schuylkill County will have a strong presence in the form of the Schuylkill County Sportsmen's Advisory Board, which is again partnering with D. G. Yuengling and Son, Inc., to promote Schuylkill County Tourism and Outdoor Recreation at the Great American Outdoor Show. SAB will distribute the third edition of the Schuylkill County Outdoor Recreation Map and the 2015 edition of the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau "Guide for Schuylkill County." Groups such as Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation, SCSA and its member clubs, watershed groups, conservancy and many more insure that we have quality as well as quantity.Last year many visitors from throughout the state were familiar with some of the outdoors attractions in Schuylkill County after reading articles published by members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, which based its 2012 spring conference in Pottsville. That conference led to newspaper and magazine articles, as well as radio and television programs."Schuylkill County has had a long working relationship with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association through its donations to a variety of youth events held in the county from money raised at its annual Sportsman's Auction to Benefit Youth at Harrisburg and the Lehigh Valley Sportsman Show in March at Allentown," SCSAB chairman Craig Morgan said. "This year POWA is holding its auction at GAOS, Sunday, Feb. 15, and through previous auctions, POWA has raised nearly $400,000 and every penny has gone to programs and organizations that introduce young people to the outdoors all across the state."Thousands of young sportsmen have benefited from monies raised through grants to youth field days, conservation camps, fishing derbies, shooting events, school nature activities, Boy Scouts, Audubon programs and many more. In addition, these funds have funded scholarships at Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown for journalism majors with an interest in communicating the outdoors."Returning this year is the Kid's Casting Contest and the live trout pond will test the fishing skills of kids. At the Pyramyd Air Gun Range all show goers have an opportunity to try a variety of air guns from Pyramyd Air's extensive inventory, and there are a dozen archery shooting lanes that will be open for visitors to try out the latest bows from every major bow company.Also found in the Hunting Outfitter Hall and open each day of the show will be NRA Sports 3 Gun Experience, a fun and interactive showcase of the fast-growing sport of 3 Gun. Shooters of all ages are invited to learn the skills required for a 3 Gun match in a safe and fun environment with AirSoft technology.Additional events at the Great American Outdoor Show include game calling contests and the 3D Bowhunter Challenge on a landscaped range. This year's show will also feature more than 200 seminars and demonstrations on topics from some of the country's top experts on hunting, fishing, trick shots and protecting your home.Most of all the Great American Outdoor Show celebrates the outdoor traditions treasured by millions of Americans and their families in a 650,000 square foot exhibit space that will feature nearly 1,100 exhibitors, including shooting manufacturers, outfitters, boat and RV dealers, hunting and fishing retailers, and much more.Shows hours are: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.For information and tickets to the Great American Outdoor Show visit the website at

www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org; for information or make donations to the POWA auction contact Kermit Henning at

KGHenning@aol.com or call 717-766-4834.