Fishing And Outdoor Show Continues Growth In 27th Year At TPHS

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Tinley Park High School Fishing and Outdoor Show has grown steadily over the past now more than quarter-century. Its longevity as a fundraiser for the sports teams at Tinley Park High School make it the longest consecutive running fishing show in Chicagoland, said Rich Komar, one of the founders of the show who still takes on a lead role in organizing it every year.

"We call it the smallest big show in Chicagoland," Komar said.

It all started back in 1994 when Komar was president of the Tinley Park High School Football booster club and had a "hairbrained" idea to get a few vendors into the school's gymnasium to raise a little extra cash.

Twenty-six years later, though, that "hairbrained idea" has turned into not only one of the most popular yearly events at the school, but also a destination for outdoor enthusiasts across the country.

What started with about 40 exhibitors in 1994 has ballooned to 175 this year, Komar said.

"It has been growing slowly over the years," he said.

Now, for the first time, the show's scope will include a larger area that includes the new fieldhouse at the school. It had already encompassed all three gymnasiums and will continue to do so this year, Komar said.

"One of the fun things about this show is that people like to wander and not just stick in one big hall," Komar said. "Adding the space in the new fieldhouse will make this an even more unique experience."

A more unique experience for the thousands from near and far who are expected to show up to Tinley Park High School, 6111 W. 175th St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 and Sunday, Feb. 9.

"We have people coming from across the country to see the quality of exhibitors we have," Komar said. "To have these exhibitors... it's special. We make sure to keep them happy and have a top notch show."