'A Rip Roarin' Adventure'

The rumble of a hurtling Jeep, the deep roar of a grizzly, the high-pitched bugle of an elk call.

Those are just some of the sounds that will be heard this weekend at the North Idaho Sportsman's Expo at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

This year's expo, with its "Rip Roarin' Adventure" theme, starts at noon Friday and runs until 6 p.m. The fun continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Taking the main arena each day in a tough-truck style course, will be a mob of off-road vehicles in the Swamped and Locked Off Road Rock Race Series for a 100 percent purse. Amateurs and pros alike are invited to bring their own off-road vehicles - Jeeps, buggies, utility vehicles - to the fairgrounds Friday between noon and 3 p.m. to register.

This year's expo lineup also includes a Sports Connection Gun Show that spans three buildings.

The Great Bear Show at the expo will feature a bear cub and photo opportunities with Andy the bear, star of the Animal Planet show, "I'm Alive."

There will be an Elk Bugling Competition with an opportunity to win a knife from Buck Knives, and a kids fishing pond and fly-casting pond with daily demonstrations by Castaway Fly Shop.

Expo-goers will have opportunities to hear from national and regional expert speakers including Hall of Fame fisherman Jim Grassi; television personality and regular contributor to Bowhunter Magazine, Larry Jones; 2013 Panhandle Bass Angler of the Year Tony McCalmant; the No. 1 golf instructor in Idaho, Randy Henry; and 2007 Best Russian Golfer, Maria Kostina. Trucks and drivers from the Northwest Mud Racing Association will be on hand as well.

There will be bird dog demonstrations, wagon rides, an archery range, shooting sport trailer and more than 150 boats, recreational vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles.

The show is free for kids younger than 13. Adult tickets are $7 at the gate, and discount pre-sale tickets are available for $5 through today at any North Idaho Jifi Stop. Tickets are good for the entire weekend.

Info: www.nidse.com.