Minneapolis, Minn. February 29, 2011 Visitors to the 2012 Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow will get a chance to meet R.J. Molinere, Jr and his son Jay Paul, stars of History Channels hit series Swamp People. The famous hunters from the bayous of Louisiana will make appearances at the show March 30-April 1 to greet their fans, sign autographs, and tell stories about their adventures pursuing some of the most dangerous creatures in North America.

The Molineres will be available to meet visitors at the 2012 Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow during the following times:

Friday, March 30 5pm7pm

Saturday, March 31 11am1pm, 3pm5pm

Sunday, April 1 10:00am12:30pm

About the Swamp People: RJ Molinere, Jr. and his son Jay Paul are not only father and son, but best friend who have been hunting alligator together all of their lives. They are active members of the Houma Nation, a Louisiana state recognized tribe of approximately 17,000 citizens residing within an area encompassing 4,570 square miles along the southeastern coast of Louisiana. When not hunting alligators, Jay Paul is a championship arm wrestler and a Golden Gloves boxing champion.

Interviews, video footage from Swamp People and photos available on request

The 2012 Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow celebrates is 80th birthday with new attractions, hundreds of exhibits showcasing the newest boats and RVs for sale, thousands of accessories for every outdoors enthusiast, and dozens of travel booths for attendees to plan their next adventure. Features include a new Wild Turkey Room, Discover Fly Fishing, Ducks Unlimited Room, Antique & Collectible Lures-80th Anniversary Display, Berkley Fish Tank and the return of the popular Trout Pond, a favorite for kids of all ages.

Show Details

When: Wednesday Sunday, March 28 April 1, 2012

Wednesday, Thursday, March 28, 29 1:00-9:00p.m.

Friday, March 30 11:00a.m.-9:00p.m.

Saturday, March 31 10:00a.m. -9:00p.m.

Sunday, April 1 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.northwestsportshow.com or at the show. Cost for tickets:

Adults (16 and older): $10.00

Youth (15 and under): FREE with paid adult

Active Military: FREE - present military ID at the box office onsite

Web: www.northwestsportshow.com; www.twitter.com/NWSportshow; find us on Facebook.

Editors Note: Preview photos are available upon request. FREE wireless will be available in the exhibit halls during show hours.

About the Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow: The 80th annual Progressive Insurance Northwest Sportshow is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the worlds largest producer of boat shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies is a leader in boat insurance and the largest seller of personal watercraft insurance in the U.S. It offers flexible, year-round coverage so boaters can go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and have peace of mind theyre protected. Specialty coverages which vary by state include On-Water Towing, Roadside Assistance, Personal Effects, Total Loss Replacement, and Pet Injury.

Progressive makes it easy to understand, buy, and use vehicle insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever, and however its most convenient for themonline at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.

Media Contact: Bonnie Harris

612-801-0912 or harris@waxmarketing.com

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