If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all of you outdoor needs, The Times, Forsyth County News and Dawson County News have you covered with their inaugural Outdoor Expo.

The expo, which will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6140 Events in Cumming, is free to attend.

“An Outdoor Expo seemed like a natural [fit] for the three counties in our market area — Hall, Forsyth and Dawson,” said Norman Baggs, general manager at all three news organizations, which are owned by Metro Market Media. “With all three counties bordering on Lake Lanier and a high level of interest in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, camping and hiking, there seemed a need for some sort of outdoor-oriented event to bring consumers and businesses together.”

The show will feature businesses like Gun Commanders, Lanier Carts & Outdoors, Oakwood Bait & Tackle, Outside World Outfitters, Camp Oaks RV and Outdoor and Bullseye Marksman.

“Whether it’s a casual two-hour hike at an area park or a weeklong hunting trip in the North Georgia mountains, there are large numbers of people in our area who like to take advantage of leisure time in the outdoors,” Baggs said. “We hope to do more to bring attention to those people and to help them enjoy themselves more, no matter what their interests.”

Dillan Greeson, owner of Oakwood Bait & Tackle, said this will be his first expo. The local aspect is what intrigued him and convinced him to join.

“It sheds light on your local shops, getting away from some of those big-box places,” said Greeson, who has owned the fishing shop for four years. “That’s the biggest thing for me. … Everybody wants to shop local, but not everybody knows where we’re at or what’s going on.”

His shop sells fishing equipment, especially items for use on Lake Lanier — striper and bass equipment. 

Through the Outdoor Expo, Greeson said he hopes to “get our name out there” and gain more customers.

“I’m shocked all the time at the locals that come in and it’s their first time,” Greeson said. “They never knew we were here. So we’re just really excited about that and making some new connections.”

See original story by Layne Saliba here.