By John Rittenhouse
A crowd of more than 500 people attended the fourth annual Rock County Sportsman's Show at the Luverne Elementary School Saturday.
The family-oriented event offered something for everyone and was especially well-received by fathers and their children.
"All in all, it went really well," said Julie Wynia, co-chairperson for the event. "We wanted to provide an event that would offer something for fathers, mothers and children. We had a lot of dads come with their sons and daughters, and that was really neat to see."
Nearly 60 exhibitors and a seminar schedule that consisted of six discussions were the highlights of the event for the older members of the crowd.
Brent Mielke, the Zoo Man representing Adrian's Prairie Wind Zoo, and an opportunity to snow shoe around the school grounds were big hits with the children.
Recent weather trends and area competition were factors in attendance figures that were down from 1,000 the year before.
After a rash of poor weather that closed many area schools in the days leading up to the event, parents were left to make a choice between taking in the Sportsman's Show or taking on the neglected chores that piled up after the weather kept people indoors most of the week.
Competing with a Farm and Home Show in Edgerton the same day also influenced the attendance numbers.
"We didn't draw as many people as last year, but everyone who I talked to said that it was an exciting show. The kids' portion of the event went over really well," Wynia said.
The event raised approximately $4,000 (before expenses). Proceeds will go to the Big Buddies of Rock County, the Hills-Beaver Creek-Steen Baseball Association, Patriot Partners, Steen Community Park Committee and the Hills Lions Club.