The annual Calgary Boat and Sportsman's show is back to tease us with thoughts of Spring and Summer again.

Two local businesses, Alberta Marine from Nanton and High River's Kim Hessel with her Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation will be on hand over the four days.

Show Host T.J. Schwanky says having Hessel down is part of the show's broader appeal.

"You know that's one thing the show does really well is promote groups like Heaven Can Wait and many other non-profit groups. I don't think a lot of people realize that the Sportsman's Shows are a non-profit group and all the money made at them goes back into fishing, hunting, boating, outdoor awareness programs, things like that."

Schwanky and says as always, it's a family friendly affair.

"We've got the kids fishing pond there. There's a bunch of 'hands on' demonstrations for the kids. So, it really is a great family event. It is kind of precursor to Spring and Summer and you can see what you really want to get out and do this year. I guess now with the economy a little bit tough, people might not be doing as much travelling as they've normally done out of the country, so it's a good opportunity to see what we have right here in Alberta and Canada."

The show runs Thursday, February 4 through Sunday, February 7 at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park.