THE NEED FOR NATURE

The North Central Florida Outdoor Expo is back for another year and making its debut at the World Equestrian Center.

// BY MELISSA PETERSON

Are you into camping, boating or shooting? What about conservation, biking, hiking or archery? If so (or if you want to learn more about one of these activities), the North Central Florida Outdoor Expo is the perfect event to indulge that outdoorsy lifestyle. And with approximately 150 vendors, attendees can learn all about how to enjoy nature in North Central Florida to its fullest.

“This is our third year holding the event,” says Lisa Varner, director of business development and events with K-Country and Wind-FM, who are the event’s hosts. “It started in 2018 and was held again in 2019, both times at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. We had to skip 2020 due to Covid. Moving the event to World Equestrian Center in the air conditioning is something we are excited for. The new expo hall at the World Equestrian Center gives us a safe and comfortable place to hold the event.”

Activities at the event include a wide range of vendors (check out the full list online) but also outdoorsy activities such as axe throwing, casting, target practice, knot tying and bbgun shooting. Presentations on geocaching, conservation, gun safety, bow-hunting basics, dog hunting, Boy Scouts, bass shing and inshore shing are also happening. Another event of note includes speaker Aaron Phillips, who survived the 21-day challenge on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid Season 6. Concessions at the event are provided by WEC, and attendees can visit one of the restaurants on the WEC property afterward or walk to one of two equine events taking place that weekend.

Families should de nitely plan to attend with children. There will even be a bounce house for the kiddos.

“This is a very family-friendly event,” says Lisa. “It’s typical to see grandparents, parents and children attending together because there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Educational and nonpro t organizations in attendance include the Marion Audubon Society, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, Central Florida Dog Hunters Association, City of Ocala Recreation & Parks, Ocala Mountain Bike Association, Humane Society of Marion County and many more.

The expo takes place on August 14 from 9am3pm in Expo Center 1 at WEC. Parking is free, and there’s a suggested $1 donation requested for entry. The money will bene t the charity sponsor 10 CAN Inc., a nonpro t organization that helps veterans, rst responders and their families combat mental and physical disabilities related to their service. Attendees should enter the WEC property from SR 40 and follow signage to the event location.

“I am excited for the event because the response from vendors has been overwhelming,” says Lisa. “In 2019, we had about 80 vendors, so with about 150 vendors, the growth is huge, and I know there is great interest in the event from people in this area.”

North Central Florida Outdoor Expo //

August 14, 9am-3pm // World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala // 937kcountry.com/events/ncfoutdoorexpo