Our calendars say spring is here, but the thermometer outside the window begs to differ. That being said, northern Chautauqua County loves when spring does finally arrive, which brings more activities to our great outdoors.

That is why the OBSERVER with the sponsorships of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, the Clarion Hotel Marina & Conference Center and LiVecchi’s Gun Sales in North Collins will be presenting the Lake Erie Outdoor & Fishing Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 21 at the Clarion on Lake Shore Drive East. The event aims to build on the success of the recent Lake Erie Experience VIP Fishing Days, which have taken place in August and brings in local elected officials and other participants to show off our natural wonder.

This event will include a number of vendors who are connected to the lake and the region. Through Thursday afternoon, those vendors include: Bear Lake Rod & Gun, Cutco Cutlery, Kongo Sportsfishing Charters, Times Two Charters, Bathfitters of Erie, JK’s Bass Bunker, King Decoys, Canadaway Creek Outfitters, Carolyn’s Creations, Fredonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Outkast Sportfishing, LeafFilter North of New York, Big Chinook 1 Fishing.

Also, the Girl Scouts of Western New York, Knot Right Fishing Charter, Paths, Peaks and Paddles, Burning Asphalt Hot Sauce, the county Visitors Bureau, Westfield Bait & Tackle, Tupperware, Muddy Creek Tackle, Alexandria, Ney-Kay Scrubs & Such, Allegheny Mountain Resort, Dave Robbins with licensed hats and accessories, South Towns Walleye Association, OBSERVER outdoor writer Gene Pauszek, Siri Thai Cuisine and Paul’s Rocket Stoves.

Also at the show will be presentations regarding the outdoors. Some of the presenters and tentative times include:

¯ 10:30 a.m. — Chautauqua Lakes Association.

¯ 11:15 a.m. — Gary Dedek on hunter safety.

¯ 1:15 p.m. — U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

¯ 2 p.m. — Alberto Rey on flyfishing for youth.

¯ 3:05 p.m. — A representative from the New York State Parks Western District.

Most of the presenters also will have display booths as well.

Our thanks to the Clarion, which is hosting the daylong event, and located right next to Lake Erie. Some displays will even be in their parking lot on the west side of their building.

There’s still time for your organization or business to be involved in this event, which will include an entrance fee. Tickets will go on sale next week at the OBSERVER. Deadline for vendors is Thursday, March 29.

For more information, e-mail mpatton@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 420.

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Look for our Vision 2018 section in the Saturday edition. It highlights success stories of area organizations and businesses and honors four institutions that are making a difference in moving our region in the right direction.

John D’Agostino is the OBSERVER publisher. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 401.