The shooting facility is once again being transformed into the largest hands-on outdoor expo in Arizona that can keep your family enthused and delighted all weekend long. Last year, the expo attracted more than 17,000 people and 100 exhibitors.

    You can come shoot some of the latest firearms from Sturm Ruger and Co., Glock, Marlin and Benelli. Or test your skill at shooting Olympic-caliber air rifles or fun .22-caliber rifles. You will even be able to see live wildlife up close and personal from the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, or catch and release a fish at the ever-popular Family Fishing Tank.

    Want to test drive the latest all-terrain vehicles or watch customized rock crawlers do amazing feats? If so, you will want to visit the special Off-Highway Vehicle Area.

Expo visitors also can learn to shoot a bow and arrow or see the latest in archery equipment at the newly enhanced Archery Area.

    New this year is a youth education day on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where teachers can bring their classes for a host of educational activities, including live wildlife demonstrations, a wilderness safety course, geocaching demonstrations, fishing, and much more.

    This year’s Outdoor Expo is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd. For more information, visit the Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/expo.