02 Jun 2014

World Famous Trapper Johnny Thorpe to Be At National Trappers Convention

By Bob Steinmetz

The National Trappers Association is pleased to announce that Trapping Hall of Famer, Johnny Thorpe will be on hand to present a demonstration at the upcoming convention. This "living legend" has been at it for over 65 years. Johnny was inducted into the National Trappers Hall of Fame in 1996. He started writing trapping articles for major outdoor publications in 1956 and continues to do so to this day. Johnny lives in New York and has run long-lines in New Mexico, California and Arizona.

"Johnny Thorpe"; trapper, gold miner, wood carver, artifact collector and adventurer is one the last of the true mountain men. He will be sharing his tips, techniques and stories at the convention. This 80 year old, who started trapping professionally at age 15, will bring a wealth of knowledge to share. It also should be noted that he is a direct descendant of Jim Thorpe famous Olympic athlete. "All will enjoy his presence and demonstrations," stated Jim Fornetti, longtime member of U.P. Trappers. Johnny Thorpe will be one of many well-renown trappers and outdoor experts giving presentations hourly during the event. Veteran and novice trappers will enjoy learning tips, ideas and techniques from these pro's which will help to increase one's capture rate.

Over 6,000 people are expected to attend the largest outdoor event ever held in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Trappers from all over the U.S. and Canada will attend; many will make this annual convention a family vacation. There are many ladies and children's activities planned throughout the event. There will be ten buildings filled with inside vendors and most likely over 200 outside tailgate vendors selling all kinds of goods. Many bargains will be available and buyers will save as there are no shipping charges.

On Saturday night, the band Runaway Train will be on stage performing their great mix of bluegrass, classic rock, and both modern and classic country music. NAFA's Wild Fur Shipper's Council will present two Fur Fashion Shows, which are sure to be hits. They will show off the beauty of garments created from wild fur and emphasize fur as a "green," renewable resource, which it is.

The 2014 Convention hosted by NTA, CVB and UPTA is open to the general public and will be at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, MI for four big days, July 24-27, 2014. Hours are, Thursday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EDT and Sunday 8:00 am to noon. Admission is $10.00 for all four days, kids under 12 are free.

For further information on this great event, contact Tamara Masterson (248)568-5804; masterson@nationaltrappers.com. You can also visit www.convention.uptrappers.com or www.nationaltrappers.com

09 Apr 2014

More Than a Trappers Convention

By Bob Steinmetz

The U.P. Trappers Association is hosting the 55th Annual National Trappers Association Convention and Outdoor Show July 24 - 27 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, Michigan.

This impressive National Convention has only been in Michigan's Upper Peninsula once before - and that was 41 years ago!

Many family-friendly events are planned to enhance the convention experience.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Pocket Park will be open for kids to enjoy supervised activities such as fishing, target practice.  The MDNR will also have a Portable Laser Shooting Range set up with computerized games of skill.

The Award winning Growing U.P. Foresters Exhibit will be open for all to enjoy and learn about paper-making, the forest products industry, and the great outdoors.

Evoking the feel of a by-gone era, U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Village will be open to visitors for an interactive learning experience.  Local artisans will be on hand to demonstrate traditional handicrafts such as glass blowing, knitting, spinning, weaving, quilting, pottery and woodcarving.  Many of these goods are available to purchase.  The Village also features a blacksmith shop, granary, barber shop, general store, cook shack and ice cream parlor.

Other planned activities include two wild-fur fashion shows (with top professional models), a Saturday night dance, a fund-raising auction, trapping and calling demos, trap setting contests, women's skillet toss, and hundreds of vendors selling trapping supplies, gadgets, crafts and antiques. For the ATV enthusiast a huge Polaris ATV display and Michigan's only ATV practical skills track facility will be open for demo use as well as student training. Bus tours to some of the beautiful wonders of the Upper Peninsula such as Fayette State Park, Big Springs, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as well, as a "wine & dine" tour to a couple of the area's fine wineries, will be available to the general public (for a registration fee).

This huge national show is open to the general public and provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the world of trapping and all that the great outdoors has to offer.  Admission is only $10 for all four days with 12 and under admitted free!  Where else can you get so much for so little?  For further information or vendor inquiries contact Tamara Masterson/Convention Coordinator at 248-568-5804, masterson@nationaltrappers.com or for more details visit www.uptrappers.com or www.nationaltrappers.com

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