First Women’s Dessert Party Scheduled for 2026 Great American Outdoor Show

Annually sportsmen and National Rifle Association members come to the Great American Outdoor Show. This year, they’re having a first ever women’s dessert party hosted by the Women’s Programs Committee.

The Great American Outdoor Show is a nine-day sportsmen’s show in Harrisburg, Pa. that’s open to the public. While the show has been in existence since the 1950s, it was adopted as an NRA event in 2014. The show is host to numerous events, workshops, entertainment opportunities, as well as having over 1,000 exhibitors and vendors. For 2026, a first-of-its kind dessert party is being hosted by the NRA Women’s Programs Committee and you’re invited.

This ladies-only event is scheduled to be held on Friday, Feb. 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Small Arena.

“The NRA Women’s Programs Committee invites you to a relaxed dessert social created especially for women who want to connect, learn, and feel more confident in the world of responsible firearm education,” the event page states. “Enjoy desserts, tea, coffee, and genuine conversation in a welcoming community atmosphere. It’s a great chance for women — whether you’re personally interested in firearms or simply curious — to explore the supportive programs designed to help you feel informed and empowered.”

NRA Board of Directors member Theresa Inacker spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming event. Inacker is a freshman director who was elected part of the 2025 NRA 2.0 class of candidates.

Inacker said she’s looking forward to the event which she’s planning on attending with fellow advocate/activist Sandy Hickerson. Inacker and Hickerson both are members of the New Jersey Chapter of Women for Gun Rights and Hickerson is the coordinator of the Atlantic County Friends of the NRA Dinner.

Since the show is nine days long, Inacker said that there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for the public to meet different members of the Women’s Programs Committee and other NRA directors at large.

NRA Director Janet Nyce is the chair of the committee. Nyce told Bearing Arms that the event is going to be full of “goodies” for ladies to enjoy — some Valentine’s themed treats and other items including coffee. She said that there’s a quilt that’s been donated to raffle off to a new member.

“We want to show all the wonderful programs that are available to women in the National Rifle Association like Refuse to be a Victim, Eddie Eagle, Women on Target, competitive shooting, all kinds of wonderful things,” Nyce said. “And we’re very excited, because we’ve never done this before, and we can’t wait to see how it turns out.”

What’s Nyce’s message to women who are apprehensive about getting into the world of firearms? She encourages newcomers to not be afraid and understand that they’re able to learn about things like firearms, self-defense, and more in a welcoming environment.

“You are here in a very friendly atmosphere. There is no wrong question,” Nyce explained. “We are here to give you lots of good — solid information so that you can become safe using your firearm; protecting yourself is extremely important.”

Nyce added that “having the confidence that you are taking care of yourself and your family is so important.”

The Great American Outdoor Show opens on Feb. 7 and ends on Feb. 15. The show is held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex which is located at: 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, Pa. Tickets and ticket packages can be purchased at the GAOS website.

Some of us from Bearing Arms will be in attendance roaming the show this year at different times and dates, so come on over to the Keystone State and check out this huge event — we might bump into each other!

We’ve previously covered the GAOS; be sure to check out some of those stories from our archives:

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