Game Fair: 30 years and counting

When the first Game Fair was held 30 years ago at Chuck and Loral I Delaney's Armstrong Ranch Kennel near Anoka, just a few thousand folks showed up to see the 21 exhibitors.

It appeared the idea, copied from similar events in England, might be a bust here.

Wrong.

The outdoor festival has grown to become a popular summer celebration, drawing 40,000 to 50,000 visitors, 4,500 dogs and 270 exhibitors.

It's a six-day mini State Fair for hunters, anglers, sporting-dog owners, shooters and other outdoor enthusiasts, packed into 80 acres of scenic woods and water at the Delaney's ranch.

Unlike the State Fair, visitors often bring their dogs and shotguns.

"It's a great family event; people love it," said Chuck Delaney, who, at age 77, has no plans to retire or sell Game Fair. He enjoys it too much. "I'll go as long as I can," he said.

"There's no booze, no beer, no cussing and swearing -- it's for families," he said. He's turned down lucrative offers from beer companies to partake in the action.

"Guns and alcohol don't mix," Delaney said.

This year, the show again will offer numerous hunting and dog-training seminars, dog competitions, shotgun-shooting events and the latest gear.

"We have 17 dog clubs, the most we've ever had," Delaney said. Trick shooter Tom Knapp will give exhibitions, and shooting champion Loral I Delaney will give women shooting instructions. And visitors again will be banging away at clay pigeons on the shooting range.