SANDPOINT — The center of the outdoors world will run through the Bonner County Fairgrounds this weekend with the arrival of the 43rd annual Gun & Horn Show.

"There's something for everybody, but particularly if you're into guns and horns, and we have some stuff that others would be interested in," said Gregory Miller, who organizes the Bonner County Sportsmen Association volunteers who run the show. "If you don't have any interest in guns, that's OK. There's still a few things you can pick up and enjoy at the show."

The event kicked off Friday, packing the main exhibit hall at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. A volunteer-run event by the Bonner County Sportsmen Association, the annual show features roughly 170 tables with everything from knife and firearm vendors to informational booths, food, and a horn and skull competition.

Admission is $5 per person, with a weekend pass available for $10. There is no charge for youth ages 11 and younger.

The event is family-friendly, with grandparents and grandkids walking around together sharing memories — and creating new ones.

There is, literally, BCSA officials said, something for everyone.

"We're not political," Miller said. "We're just here."

While the club was founded in 1934, Miller said the show dates only to 1983, when Ted Clark moved to the area and thought it would be a great way to celebrate the area's outdoor lifestyle — and give hunters and those who enjoy the sport a chance to connect. Since its founding, the show has grown from eight to 10 vendors to more than 100, with some vendors spread across multiple tables with a variety of guns, hunting gear and information.

"Some vendors have one or two tables, others have as many as five or six," Miller said. "We have a lot of long-term vendors, and there's a waiting list. People love the show, and we've been blessed because we have so much room to organize the layout."

The free-to-enter horn competition is scored by a panel of judges, with racks to remain on display the entire weekend “for people to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ over.” Awards are given for archery, rifle and muzzleloader — deer, elk, whitetails and mule deer. Animals that don’t have horns also will be judged in the competition, including bear, moose and elk skulls.

Antlers will be available for public viewing beginning at noon Saturday.

Among those taking part this year is first-year hunter Nolan Jacobson, who dropped off the horns from his successful hunt of a 4-by-4 whitetail.

Jacobson said he was in the tree stand with his dad when the pair heard something coming.

"Then he walked in and then poked his head from under the tree and gave me a perfect shot," the youth said with a big grin.

Jacobson said he loves hunting and can't wait to go again.

And that, BCSA members said, is what they love to hear.

Awards are given for deer, elk and moose horns, as well as cougar, bear and wolf skulls. Honors include best of show, top women and top youth, as well as others.

Antlers and skulls from the region's hunters are just the starting point of the event, with everything from taxidermy, knives, furs, hunting rifles and ammunition. There are books on survival, dehydrated food and more.

Whether you are just starting and learning to hunt, are a competitive shooter, or are looking to learn more about the different guns available, chances are you'll find it at the Gun & Horn Show, Miller said.

Lived in the community forever but just got into hunting? BCSA members are happy to connect and teach you the ropes. Just moved to the area and want to learn the ins and outs of Idaho's hunting rules? Head on out to the show, and association members are there to share their knowledge.

All proceeds from the annual show benefit everything from hunter education programs — including a youth day at the range — to youth scholarships in Bonner County. Funds also help youth attend the Conservation Officers Youth Summer Camp program, the Idaho Forestry State Contest and many others. Last year, Miller said, the BCSA gave away four $1,000 scholarships, with all students, from trade school to higher education, invited to apply.

For those hungry while at the show, the Eagles Auxiliary is staffing a food booth with a variety of items available. All proceeds go toward the group's scholarship program.

In addition, BCSA members hold a fundraiser raffle during the show. This year, in addition to a rifle with a scope as the top prize, club members David and Patti Prince donated two additional prizes: a wooden vase and a leather concealed-carry bag.

Events on Saturday and Sunday begin at 9 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

Bonner County Sportsmen Association holds monthly meetings from September through May at the Leo Hadley Range, 1114 Lake St. The public is invited to attend.

Information: bonnercountysportsmen.org