[4/29/04]Vicksburg Convention Center managers plan to tap enthusiasm for sports and have set their first “Everything Outdoors and More Expo” for mid-August.

Annette Kirklin, executive assistant and special projects coordinator for the center, which is owned by the city and managed by a private firm, said a variety of vendors will be invited.

Larry Gawronski, executive director for Compass Facilities Management, said the event will be “broad-based in appeal so that mom who likes to jog, or power walk can be as involved in wanting to see the show as someone who is an avid hunter or fisherman.”

The downtown convention center opened in 1997 and, despite big events such as the Miss Mississippi Pageant, has not met usage targets.

It operates with proceeds of a 2 percent bed tax, plus rental revenues and a supplement from the city’s general fund.

The initial plans for the expo, to be held the weekend of Aug. 13-15, call for a tailgate party Friday night and displays and seminars Saturday and Sunday.

The convention center already has two consumer shows on its schedule. The Beautiful Bride show is in January every year, and the Festival of Trees begins the Christmas season each year in November.