The 26th International Fair is Open

Today, the 26th International Fair Nature, Hunting, Fishing, and Tourism was officially opened at the Varaždin Arena. This is Croatia’s oldest specialized event dedicated to hunting and fishing. This year, the fair hosts around 90 exhibitors from Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Maja Šimenc, Fair Director from DMK Vall 042, addressed the attendees on behalf of the organizers, expressing her satisfaction with the increased interest from exhibitors. She highlighted that, after the pandemic pause, the fair is regaining its former form and expressed hope that the next three days would be both business-successful for exhibitors and engaging for visitors.

Co-organizers this year include the Croatian Hunting Association and the Croatian Sports Fishing Association, whose presidents welcomed visitors and wished them a pleasant experience at the fair.

Vladimir Sever, President of the Croatian Sports Fishing Association:
"First, I would like to thank the fair organizers for bringing us together again in Varaždin this year. I believe all participants and visitors will enjoy three pleasant and successful days. I must also highlight our members who continue to achieve notable sports successes. The senior women's team recently earned the title of world champions, and Marijana Mutak won a bronze medal. Additionally, I’m pleased with our strong collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Fisheries Directorate as we work together to secure fishing rights for the next 20 years."

Ivica Budor, President of the Croatian Hunting Association:
"I’d like to welcome the members of the HLS Executive Board who have come from all counties, from Dubrovnik to Ilok, with only one absence due to illness. This demonstrates the importance of the fair and their enthusiasm for participating. During today’s Executive Board meeting in Varaždin, we’ll discuss this year’s challenges, from weather-related damage to hunting facilities and grounds to the African swine fever outbreak affecting wild boar populations. We’re also addressing legislative changes that we hope will benefit our hunters."

Renata Ojurović, Head of the Forestry, Hunting, and Wood Industry Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture, Miroslav Marković, Deputy Mayor of Varaždin, and Anđelko Stričak, Prefect of Varaždin County, also greeted the attendees. They emphasized the role of hunters and anglers in nature conservation and biodiversity preservation, as well as the fair’s importance in promoting these activities.

The fair was officially opened by Damir Dekanić, Prefect of Vukovar-Srijem County, this year’s partner county.

During the opening ceremony, Croatian Hunting Association President Ivica Budor and Varaždin County Hunting Association President Goran Kaniški awarded gold plaques to seven hunters aged 80 or with 50 years of hunting experience. The recipients included Milan Dumbović, Boris Berta, Ivan Kolarek, Stanko Pšak, Stjepan Triplat, Josip Friščić, and Ivan Nofta.

A key attraction of the fair is the diorama by the Croatian Hunting Museum, featuring taxidermied animals from Croatian regions. Visitors can also view live birds displayed by the Croatian Falconry Club and an extensive mushroom exhibit with over 100 species, prepared by the Mushroom Society Smrčak from Čakovec.

The 26th Fair will be open today until 7:00 PM, on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Sunday, the final day, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ticket prices are €4 for adults and €2 for students and retirees. More information is available on the fair's website and Facebook page.