Lancaster Archery Supply's 2016 Bowhunter's Extravaganza Aug. 19-20 was a celebration of bowhunting and bowhunters. We were mobbed by people who share our passion for chasing wild game with stick and string.
Many came in looking for great deals on the best bowhunting gear. Others stopped by looking to have some fun – to share hunting stories and laughs.
The annual equipment auction on the Lancaster Archery Academy's main shooting range Saturday was packed with over 200 people bidding on incredible gear at unbelievable prices. LAS president and founder Rob Kaufhold says the annual auction is all about fun and giving back to the bowhunting community.
Everything put up for bid was sold for less than the cost of the items in the Pro Shop. On top of that, thousands of dollars worth of gear was given away as door prizes.
"This isn't about making money," Kaufhold said. "We're here to have a good time with all of you."
Upstairs in the Pro Shop and outside in a special-deals tent, LAS staff members hustled to help customers find everything they need for the upcoming hunting seasons. Every item was discounted to some extent.
Medical staff associated with The Rehab Center was on site providing free health screenings to hunters looking to see what kind of condition they're in as the season approaches. They checked blood pressure, gave short endurance tests to monitor heart rate and tested hunters' range of motion to make sure they can physically draw and hold a bowstring. Hunting can be a demanding game. You need to be in shape for it.
Outside the Pro Shop, Schatz's Food Service made sure everyone was kept well-fed.
After the doors to the Extravaganza closed at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nashville country music artist Jared Wade – who also happens to be an avid bowhunter – took the stag for a free concert.
More than 100 people sprawled out on the lawn adjacent to the rear Pro Shop parking lot to hear Wade perform a mix of original songs and covers of some country classics.
Wade's set ended just as the sun slipped behind the treeline to the west. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
The Extravaganza is an event that involves every employee of LAS. It's something the company looks forward to, and prepares for, all year long, because it's a chance for us to interact with large numbers of customers in a communal setting.
We are as excited about the upcoming bowhunting season as you are.
-P.J. Reilly
