Fishing Frenzy

I suppose you could say that the modern day canopy is a prehistoric design. If you go back as far as you can in history and look into the shape and design of the cavemen you will probably find a form of shelter similar to the modern day canopy. It may of been constructed of grass , leaves, fronds or leather, but still pretty much like the current day design.

If you are looking for a modern shelter with sides on it to keep the elements out, then maybe you should be considering a tent instead. A canopy can be purchased with one or more side panels but they will not be as tightly sealed as a regular tent.

There are canopies that are attached to buildings that fold in and out to provide shade and protection from the elements. There are canopies that serve as small shelters over hot dog vendors on the city streets or by the sea shore. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts use canopies when they are at events and camp outs. Weddings, graduations, barbeques, birthday parties, and the list goes on and on. You don't realize how much the simple canopy is needed and used in our daily lives.

Years ago, at the turn of the century, a gentleman named W.C. Coleman was out selling office equipment door to door and happened across a type of kerosene lantern that had been converted to use gasoline. The gasoline burned a lot cleaner than the kerosine and provided a much whiter looking flame. The rest is history. As you know the Coleman company went on to make lanterns, coolers, gas stoves, sleeping bags, tents and of course canopies.

The current day canopies are no longer made of left over animal skins or grass, but high tech fabrics that fight the elements extremely well, and last many years. Coleman, just like the other manufacturers make several different sizes and colors of these canopies and most them can be set up in as little as three minutes.

If the you don't enjoy assembling a tent or canopy with a whole lot of parts, then you need a modern style "pop up" canopy. Just get your three buddies to help you pull the four corners out to unfold the mechanical frame work. One person will work just fine, but for a quick job, get some help. The fabric comes already attached to the frame so after you have pulled the canopy out to its extended position just raise the corners up and lock the tabs in place in the holes on the legs.

Before you attend your next tailgate party at your local stadium, get yourself a new canopy emblazoned with the logos and color of your favorite football team. The NFL now licenses the Colman Company to allow you to purchase a canopy with your favorite team's colors and name. You can get this in a 10' x 10' canopy and add side curtains of the same colors if you wish.