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Tomorrow through Sunday ... Trappers Rendezvous expected to draw 9,000 to Clearfield
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
 By Jeff Corcino Staff Writer
Approximately 9,000 people from all over the nation are expected to descend on the Clearfield Driving Park beginning tomorrow for the 75th annual Pennsylvania Trappers Rendezvous.
The event runs through Sunday.
Pennsylvania has one of the largest state trapper rendezvous in the nation and - because its being held in Central Pennsylvania this year - they are expecting attendance to be larger than usual, according to Donald Klinger of the PA Trappers Association.
He said the event usually draws 6,000 to 8,000 people, but these numbers increase when it is held in the central part of the state.
The rendezvous changes locations every year and was last held in Clearfield in 2005, Klinger said.
Pennsylvania's ecology, geology, wildlife and large tracts of public lands makes it a popular state for trapping, and last year Klinger said more than 30,000 furtaker licenses were sold in the state, Klinger said.
Klinger said about half the people who attend the event come from outside the area and stay the entire weekend. They are expected to either camp in the park or stay at local hotels. The other half come from the local area and will come in for the day.
Klinger said it is a fun and educational event for sportsmen of all kinds whether or not they are trappers.
The event features vendors and a flea market with sporting goods, outdoor clothing and trapping equipment for sale as well as food vendors, games and educational demonstrations.
Miss Pennsylvania will be attending the event on Friday.
Like hunting, the vast majority of trappers do not do it for a living but for fun and sport, and likewise the rendezvous has a number of fun events scheduled such as the Mountain Man Race, the Frying Pan Toss, the Dutch Oven Cooking Contest and a trap-setting contest.
The rendezvous will also feature a number of educational programs such as "Beaver Snaring" by Barry Warner, "Bobcat Trapping" by Mark Kasten, "Fur Market and Marketing Tips" by John Epler and "Fox Calling" by Dave Dunbar.
To see a complete list and schedule of the educational programs at the rendezvous, go to www.patrappers.com. Admission is $5 per day or $10 for a weekend pass; half of the funds collected through admissions will be donated to the Wounded Warrior project, which provides services to severely wounded servicemen and women.
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