The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre hosted more than 3000 visitors to the expo, with more than 60 exhibitors peddling their wares.

Organiser Ron Kiehne from Glen Innes said he was “very impressed” with how the weekend went.

“We will definitely be back,” he said.

“It has always been our intention to make it an annual event.” 

Mr Kiehne said interest from buyers was really scattergun.

“They were looking at everything,” he said.

“Everybody seems to be carrying something as they leave.

“The EFTPOS machine had $25,000 in it and it ran out, so that’s a good sign, and there’s a lot of cash going through and a lot of stalls have their own EFTPOS facilities as well.”

The expo attracted visitors from around the region as well as further afield, including Murray Bridge, Gympie, Melbourne and Sydney.

“People have enjoyed the whole thing, and I’ve spoken to all the exhibitors and they all seem impressed,” he said.

Hunter Geoff Tait from Glen Innes said it was long overdue to have an expo like this in the region.

“It was fantastic,” he said.

“We bought mostly camo and hunting gear. I like hunting and the kids like it as well.”

Mr Tait said he hunted pigs and goats in the region.

As well as promoting hunting, shooting and the outdoor lifestyle, organisers of the expo held a fundraising dinner at The Pub in aid of the Tamworth-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter that raised nearly $7000.

Mr Kiehne said he would begin preparations now for next year’s expo and expected organising it would be easier the second time around.