ESCANABA — Last summer, the U.P. Trappers Association hosted the National Trappers Association Convention. The NTA’s Kids Cave was such a “hit” that they have now made it a part of their own annual convention.

“We were amazed at how much fun kids were having and saw more smiling faces then we’ve seen at other youth events. I recommend that the Kids Cave remain a part of all future conventions,” said Bob Steinmetz, long-time member of U.P. Trappers. “Why should we wait till the schedule is complete to announce this exciting new addition?”

In the “Cave” will probably be a huge tent combined with the DNR Pocket Park on the U.P.State Fairgrounds. It will feature fishing, archery, pellet guns, building mink boxes, a coloring and craft table for younger kids, a mystery event called “Bandaging a Bear.” There will also be a question and answer period with experienced trappers, panning for gold with prizes for the top three “prospectors,” a door prize for all, a hay scramble with hidden coins and even some “folding money”, and several other fun and instructional “stations.”

The Kids Cave is only one small part of the two-day Trappers Convention and Outdoor Expo being held on Friday and Saturday July 12 and 13 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. The Cave will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days.

For more information on the “Cave” or the convention itself, go to www.uptrappers.com where more information will be coming soon as details are finalized.