Upwards of 10,000 visitors expected at 2024 Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show

WASILLA — The 2024 Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show is set to run from Friday, April 12 to Sunday, April 14 at the Menard Sports Center.

This annual three-day shopping spree focusing on all things related to outdoor recreation is hosted by Mat-Su Events. It features a wide variety of vendors, raffles, seminars, and giveaways.

Visitors have the opportunity to shop for an array of items such as guns, camping equipment, fishing gear, boats, and RVs.

“The outdoorsman show is the place to get what you need," Mat-Su Events owner Matt Rowley said.

According to Rowley, over 9,300 visitors made their way through the 2023 Outdoorsman Show and they're anticipating about 10,000 visitors over the course of the weekend this year. He said the event continues to grow in popularity each year.

“It's really become a big event for the Valley,” Rowley said.

Rowley noted that the Saturday and Sunday events tend to be the busiest which is why they're staying open until 8 p.m. Friday evening. He said that it is intended to help people who want to avoid the big crowds.

According to Rowley, they're at maximum capacity with nearly 200 vendors participating in this year’s Outdoorsman Show which also includes various local food trucks. He noted that about a third of the vendors are new.

“It's never dull. There's always new vendors there,” Rowley said. “We're looking forward to the weekend.”

Rowley said that many of the vendors are holding raffles at their tables. He said there will also be door prizes given out periodically throughout the three day event. He said that participating vendors donated about $5,000 worth of door prizes. Visitors can win all kinds of things such as food, clothing, charters, and various types of sporting goods.

“Everybody's excited about it," Rowley said. “It's become a popular spot for vendors to do their thing."

The Outdoorsman Show is an annual tradition that has gone for about two decades. Mat-Su Events took it over in 2020. Rowley said that he enjoys working on this event.

“Generally, everybody walks away happy,” Rowley said. “It's fun because we're making a positive impact on the community.”

The 2024 Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show runs from from 12 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 12; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 14.

For more information, visit matsuoutdoorsmanshow.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com