Judging from early reports, the new and improved Kinzua Outdoor
and Travel Show is a hit.

The sixth annual edition began Friday afternoon at the Bradford
Mall, taking up more space and offering more events than ever. The
event continues today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance to the event
is through the main entrance of the Bradford Mall. There is a small
admission fee for those over 12 years of age; children under 12 get
in free.

Despite the event being free last year, this year’s admission
fee did not deter people from coming.

“We had good lines” Friday evening, said S&S Archery manager
Bob Williams, whose company is holding an Archery Extravaganza.
Williams was giving a prize away every half-hour and a contest with
a bow as a prize was attracting many potential owners.

Today, professional archers will come and show their skills at
his exhibit, including performing such feats as shooting out a
candle from 20 yards away. In addition, any child that shoots at
the Archery Extravaganza’s youth clinics today will receive a free
t-shirt.

“I thought we should do something really big,” Williams
said.

For the overall event, there were already 400 people counted at
the door after the first hour Friday; today is expected to be even
busier.

“(Today) will probably be better,” said Amber Bacha of Zippo
Manufacturing Co., chair of the marketing committee for KOTS.

“We’re doing some different things with marketing this year,”
said Diane Sheeley, Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce executive
director. She explained that area children from kindergarten
through sixth grade were sent home with flyers promoting the
children’s programs at the KOTS.

“The vendors here have been absolutely wonderful this year,” she
said enthusiastically, noting that they are all volunteers.

She added that many of the vendors have been at the KOTS all six
years.

There is something for everybody at the show with a variety of
vendors present.

A woman looked at campers while her husband was over in the
boats section. Another, Patty Sanfilippo, who attends the KOTS with
her husband every year, noted the collection of children’s
activities at the show.

“I think it’s really nice, especially for the children,” she
said. Nearby, a group of youngsters checked out the Watkins Glen
Twisted Tour Simulators at the Zippo/Case Visitors Center
exhibit.

Many more, such as Michelle Angell, come to the event annually
“just to look around.” She, along with others, agreed that this
year’s version of the show was an improvement.

With the 2007 edition seemingly another success, participants
are already excited about next year’s KOTS.

“Each year, it’s been getting bigger and bigger,” Williams
said.

“The more we can bring in additional events within this event,”
the better it will be, Sheeley said.