WILTON – An exposition center in Wilton?

It’s called being creative in a sluggish economy.

Plans are under way to hold a Pine Tree Sportsmen Show March 25-27, 2005, at a 44,355-square-foot building at Nichols/Bass Business and Technology Center on Weld Street.

The building, part of the 300,000-square-foot complex nearest Weld Street that now has U-Haul vehicles in front of it, is going to be used as an exposition center.

Gil Reed, president of Nichols Development LLC, which owns the complex, said details of the floor plan for the show were worked out Tuesday.

Dan Archer and Vic Morin of Northwoods Outdoor and Northwoods Sporting Journal – both hunting, fishing and outdoors related – are working with Reed to put the project together.

Archer said they envisioned stimulating economic growth with six or seven shows a year. The expo center could be used for more than sportsmen shows, Reed said, noting a wedding show as an example.

“The sky’s the limit,” Reed said.

They hope to provide a quick influx of people into the area, he said. “They’re going to be spending money,” Reed said. People will stop to eat, get gas, shop and stay overnight, he said.

“We hope we draw a big crowd,” Archer said of the March show.

Right now, the floor plan has 208 spaces, with many of the spaces already taken. Reed says he believes it’s the largest square-footage for shows in the state. It’s bigger than the Augusta Civic Center, he added.

Archer said they are planning on having live animals – possibly including a Maine black bear, an eagle and bear cubs – at the March show. They also plan to have a live trout pond for kids to fish in, he said.

Morin said the show is a family event, with lots of activities for children as well as adults.

Anyone interested in getting a space at March’s show, which will run from 1 to 8 p.m. March 25, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 26, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 27, may call 207-732-4604 or 645-3101.