Show offers “passport” to Canada

     “The dead of winter is the best time of year to start dreaming – or better yet - start planning next summer’s Canadian vacation” according to Jennifer Young, All-Canada president. The 24th annual All-Canada Show is traveling the Midwest U.S. this winter, go to www.allcanda.com for a detailed listing. Young also noted “Our show has become an annual gathering spot for friends and family to relive their adventures and begin planning new ones.”

     Travelers to Canada by air in 2007 are required to possess a valid passport to re-enter the U.S.  Through a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service the All-Canada Show is offering passport applications right at the show including passport photographs. Young also mentioned “a passport also makes it quicker and easier to drive across the border as well.”

    To apply at the All-Canada Show, you must bring your certified birth certificate (needs a raised, embossed, highlighted or multi-colored seal) from county or state government (not a hospital document), and your current, valid driver's license. A Government ID, State ID or military ID will work for those who do not have a driver’s license. Go to AllCanada.com for a listing of the markets where the USPS will be accepting passport applications. A passport cost $97, excluding the $15 passport photograph.  “When you consider a passport is valid for 10-years the cost is very reasonable” Young stated.  The USPS will accept payments of cash, check or money order – credit cards are not accepted.

      “In the post 9/11 world, getting a passport is a great idea,” Young said, “It’s just one more reason to attend this year’s show.”   In addition to a huge contingent of Canadian camps, lodges, resorts and outfitters, Young cited several other main show attractions, including:

      Polar Bear guide and naturalist—Sam Hunter, a northern Ontario Hudson Bay native, will share his real life experiences in his daily seminar “At Home on Hudson Bay.”  Hunter will also make native crafts including feathered hair bands, arrows made from spruce and tamarack branches and hand made stone arrowheads.

     ‘Locked at Lac Seul’ presented by Cabela’s is back.  This exhibit, presented for the first time last year, was a real “show stopper.”  It includes two trophy moose with antlers locked in a duel to the death. The display is the largest of its kind in the world.  New in ’06, the moose will have some company, as a more than 400-pound, “full mount” black bear will also be on display.

     Norm “The Great” McCreight—This icon of the All-Canada Show will talk hunting and fishing in his beloved Canada at his daily seminars and may even throw in a few hockey comments. Updated seminar schedules will be posted on the All-Canada website:  AllCanada.com.

     Canada PAL Services—Planning a hunting trip to Canada?  Be sure to stop at the show and apply for your “Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) card.  Having a PAL card saves you money and makes crossing the border with firearms much easier.

     Renown wildlife artist—Meet Anthony J. Padgett, rated in the top 10 wildlife artist in the United States, as he works on another piece of original artwork.  Padgett painted “Locked at Lac Seul,” the original artwork depicting the actual “duel to the death” of two trophy moose near Lac Seul, Ontario.

     Eppinger night—Opening night every paid admission will receive a free Eppinger Dardevle, one of the best lures to take along on your Canadian fishing trip. Throughout the show, children between the ages of 8 and 16 will receive a free mini-Dardevle with a paid admission.

     Other Attractions—The show’s traditional favorites are back:  Lil’ Fort Canada, Moose Bay Trading Company, a Canadian shore lunch (for an extra fee) in concessions, featuring the Labatt Blue Patio Summer area.

     Free stuff—All show guests will receive a free copy of All-Canada Adventuresmagazine (a $5.25 value) as well as maps and brochures from exhibitors and the All-Canada Show Travel Centre.

      Prizes--Grand prize for all nine shows is a $2,500 Cabela’s gift certificate, a $5,000 Polar Bear Canadian maple leaf diamond pendant from Yellowknife, the diamond capital of the North American and a trip for two to Watson’s Pine Portage/Kaby Lodge in Wawa, Ontario. A fishing trip for two to Canada is also awarded at each All-Canada Show. A fishing trip for two to Canada is also awarded at each All-Canada Show market.

     Sponsors--National sponsors in 2007 include Cabela's, Yamaha Canada, North American Hunter, North American Fisherman, Eppinger (Dardevle lures), Hawkins Taxidermists Ltd, Wells Cargo and Labatt Blue.          

     Admission--Adults, $9; seniors and children (13-16), $8; and children 12 and under, free.  For $2 off coupon and complete show details, log on to AllCanada.com or call: 800-325-6290.

          2007 All-Canada Show Schedule: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minneapolis Convention Center (Exhibit Hall A), downtown Minneapolis, Jan. 5-7; Chicago, Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, Jan. 11-14; Indianapolis, Marriott East Convention Center, downtown Indianapolis, Jan. 15-17; Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Sports Complex, Jan. 19-22; Madison, Marriott Madison West Convention Center, Beltline Hwy., Jan. 22-24; Green Bay, ShopKo Hall, Jan. 25 -28; Omaha, Holiday Inn Convention Centre, Feb. 5-7 and St. Louis, St Charles Convention Center, Feb. 9-11.

       “All of us at the All-Canada show are excited about this year’s lineup,” Young said, “our Canadian exhibitors are very positive about the upcoming show season and are looking forward to meeting with their past guests as well as making new friends and customers at our show.”

      Young suggested that the All-Canada Show is the perfect place and time to book your Canadian trip.  “First of all it’s convenient, as our Canadian friends are coming to your area.  Secondly, the timing is excellent, and the earlier you book your trip the better chance you have of getting the exact dates you may require.”

              Log on to www.AllCanada.com for breaking show news.