The Vancouver Outdoor Expo is in the books, and vendors from the event are not happy. Business owners that had a booth at the show are saying the event was far more than just a flop – it was a scam.
That’s why a number of the show’s vendors have contacted local news stations, and even the sheriff’s office, to file complaints. In fact, dozens of vendors reached out to KOIN 6, a news station covering events in the Oregon, Washington and Vancouver areas, to share the story of what they said were promises made, but not delivered.
The complaints revolve around show organizer, Shane Barbour, and his claims that thousands would attend, when in reality the event was said to be more like a ghost town.
The 3-day event took place at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Vancouver and was billed as the “biggest show in the Northwest.” Promoters told vendors the show would draw tens of thousands. Others were told some 55,000 tickets were pre-sold.
According to vendors, that’s not what happened. They’re calling Barbour a fraud, and they’re now demanding their money back.
Watch the video below for news coverage of the event fallout.
Billy Sanborn of Beach Bandit Crab Snares told KOIN 6 he was initially on a vendor waiting list.
“First thing I see is it’s sold out with all these celebrities,” he said.
Sandborn was later called personally by Barbour and offered a vendor booth for the event. However, instead of all the promised show traffic and attendees, Sandborn said the event looked more like a ghost town.
“He just hooked me. Fast talker, promised the world then ripped it underneath everybody,” said Sandborn. “Where’d that 55,000 pre-sold $10 tickets go?”
Sara Gamache, known as pnw_huntress on Instagram, posted about the event on her account:
News article about the Vancouver Outdoor Expo that turned out to be a scam. Show promoter Shane Barbour claimed he pre sold 50,000 tickets and it was the biggest Outdoor show in the Pacific Northwest less than 2,000 attendees showed up. Over 500 vendors from all over the world are out thousands of dollars in expenses. Rick Young and his son Bubba Young also help organize this show and are planning to have 4 more next year in Wenatchee, Spokane, Yakima, and Nampa. Outdoor companies beware! FRIENDS PLEASE SHARE!
If you were a vendor please reach out to the Clark County Sheriff’s
According to Barbour, he’s done nothing wrong. He told the news station that he sold 30,000 pre-sale tickets, but acknowledged the turnout was less than what he expected.
Barbour claimed a number of heavy-hitter celebrities, like Ted Nugent, would be in attendance to help bolster ticket and vendor booth sales. However, Nugent and many others were no-shows.
Barbour told news outlets that plans to continue the show moving forward have been cancelled.
