HARRISBURG, PA (WENY) -- The Great American Outdoor Show ran from February 3 to 11 this year. A yearly extravaganza put on by the NRA, the event had the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg bursting with outdoor enthusiasts and vendors.

The NRA claims it is the world's largest outdoor show.

“You can find anything in the outdoors," said Rob Bates, one of the vendors. "Book hunting trips, fishing trips, there’s camping equipment, there’s all kinds of stuff here.”

Donald Trump made an appearance this year, but in a 9 day event politics was far from the only motivator for people showing up.

"After COVID, just seeing the volume of people out, and people wanting to go out in the outdoors and enjoy it," said Nick Korenowski, owner of Chagrin Valley Charters. "It’s the best show in the nation."

The fishing excursion business operates out of Cleveland, giving two day outings on Lake Erie. Korenowski was one of over 1,100 vendors at this years show, which has plenty of local representation.

“[It] has opportunity for us outfitters and guides to come in, and showcase the great resource we have of Lake Erie to folks from Virginia, Maryland, all through the United States," said Korenowski.

Bates is the owner of Koinonia Guide Service, a Christian and family focused operation that runs charters on the Susquehanna in central Pennsylvania.

“This river is a fantastic fishery. Great for small mouth, great for catfish, and we love running family trips on the river," said Bates. The owner also spoke in seminars and presentations at this years show... just like another vendor from further upstream.

“I do fishing charters on the North Branch of the Susquehanna in Bradford county," said Lance Dunham, owner of LD Guide Services. "I’m Pennsylvania’s longest acting full time guide at 44 years.”

The show was originally called the Eastern Sport and Outdoor Show, until the NRA took it on in 2014 and renamed.

From the vendors to the food courts to the educational seminars and performances, the show lets generations exchange their tips, tricks, and tales of the trade.

It celebrates all things about the outdoors-

“What’s changed the most? Well the waters a little cleaner believe it not," said Dunham. "Less public sewage going into the river which is always a good deal. And the size of the fish have gotten bigger.”

- and people's experience with it.

“What’s stayed the same?" said Dunham. "Me. I don't change much."