It has been 10 years since 7,000 people came out for Texas Parks and Wildlife's first open house to thank the hunters and anglers who help pay for wildlife conservation in Texas.

From that modest beginning, Texas Wildlife Expo has grown into a showcase outdoor event featuring more than one-hundred activities ranging from shooting sports and fishing to birdwatching and mountain biking, with attendance reaching nearly 50,000. More importantly, according to TPW staff, the event remains free to the public.

Texas Wildlife Expo, celebrating its 10th year this Oct. 6-7, 2001, is the largest event of its kind in the nation. Several other fish and wildlife agencies are now using it as a model for their states, according to Ernie Gammage, Texas Wildlife Expo director for TPW.

"Expo is the premiere outdoor event in Texas," Gammage said. "Where else can you catch a fish, skeet shoot, mountain bike, bird watch, kayak, see native Texas wildlife and rock climb in one location in one day -- for free?"

Over the years, both the focus and the goals of Expo have evolved, according to Gammage. It started out as a hunting and fishing event and has become an all-around outdoors festival with a primary goal of promoting family participation in outdoor activities and raising awareness of the conservation ethic. Fly fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, bird watching and rock climbing have been added to attract a more diverse audience and introduce visitors to a wide range of outdoor activities.

TPW, conservation organizations, sponsors and more than 3,000 volunteers will host Texas Wildlife Expo 2001. From archery exhibitions and birds of prey demonstrations to fly fishing instruction and special activities for the youngest children, Expo is designed to keep the entire family entertained for hours. New displays and activities include a Global Positioning System Satellite Challenge and the Outdoor Kids Challenge.

"The event really is designed for the entire family," Gammage explained. "Nearly all of the activities are open to both adults and children, and we have many activities specifically for younger children."

Perennial favorites such as John Karger's birds of prey demonstration, shooting sports, rock climbing walls, and trout and catfish fishing tanks remain the anchors of the event. Recent additions bolstering the educational component of Expo include displays and activities to promote the importance of water in ecosystems, wildscaping instruction and junior angler program to teach youth how to fish.

Growing crowds at Expo over the years have presented parking challenges; but after reaching near capacity last year, coordinators plan to install a new temporary entrance into the hayfield parking area to reduce congestion at the entrance. The free shuttle, from a location in northeast Austin, is still the best way to get to Expo, according to TPW.

For more information on Texas Wildlife Expo and the free shuttle system, visit the Expo Web pages (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/expo/) or call (800) 792-1112.