I had never heard of the ESOS before this controversy evolved. Never knew that much money was invloved. But I wonder why it was ever held on the east coast in the first place?
Seems like Texas or some other Red State would be a better place.
Pennsylvania is a huge market for outdoor sports. Hunting and fishing especially. Most of the state is red, with the exceptions of Filthydelphia, Pittsburgh, State College and (bankrupt) Harrisburg.
The first day of buck season, the schools are closed and over a million hunters take to the woods.
Harrisburg is/was a very logical location to host such an event. Years and years ago it was the method for east coast hunters to connect with west coast outfitters. The location is right off the interstate and within easy reach for thousands of sportsmen. I booked many hunting/fishing trips over the years at this show.
Then it wouldn't be called the "EASTERN Sports and Outdoor Show........
And just because Texas is "EAST" of New Mexico doesn't mean they are really in the East......LOL!
There are more licensed hunters in Pennsylvania than any other state. Michigan is 2nd, Texas is 3rd.
“Seems like Texas or some other Red State would be a better place.
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Seventy percent of the population is in the eastern time zone. Northeasterners are NOT as used to thousand mile drives as westerners. Plus the shows provide perhaps the only opportunity for easterners to touch and examine gear that is available all over Texas and other western states.
My man, you don’t know much more about Pennsylvania than what the talking heads on TV say. Most Pennsylvania counties are “red”; at least half a dozen of the 67 PA counties were over 70% for Romney this past election. Many school districts in these “red” counties have multiple school holidays explicitly for hunting.
East Tennessee would be a great spot...within a day's drive for millions of sporting folk...
These shows are regional and the folks of PA love the outdoors just as much as Texans.