What started out as a banquet highlighting wild game dishes has morphed into a full-fledged trade fair, and sporting enthusiasts will have plenty to enjoy Saturday at the 3rd annual Warren County Wildlife and Outdoor Expo.
“This got started because we typically did a wildlife banquet and decided to move it out of the church and share it with other folks,” said Lee Robinson, a member at First Baptist Church of Vicksburg and an organizer for the event.
Last year, more than 2,500 people attended the extravaganza, Robinson said, and he is planning for even more visitors, this year.
The expo will cover the entire floor of the Vicksburg Convention Center and include vendors displaying the latest in outdoor equipment and clothing for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities, Robinson said.
Certified Wildlife Biologist Bill Tomlinson, will be among the informational speakers.
“Bill will talk about pond management and what you can do with your ponds and how to take care of them,” said Robinson.
Ricky Flynt, a Mississippi State University alligator biologist will talk about how to hunt and harvest alligators.
“It should be interesting since gator hunting has become more popular,” Robinson said.
Also focusing on the cold blooded will be Percy King, a former zookeeper who does reptile shows at schools as “the Reptile Guy”. He will have snakes and alligators for kids to touch, and he will provide information about them, said Robinson.
The expo will also feature Trophies of Grace, a Christian outreach ministry founded by Scott Porter. The organization travels to venues showcasing world-class trophy whitetail deer, of which more than 20 will be on display during the event.
“Falconry folks” will speak on how to take care of the wild birds, said Robinson, “and they will be letting some of them fly during the expo.”
Other events will include displayed art work by Mississippi College students and a photography competition.
“Prizes will be awarded in hunting fishing and outdoor categories,” Robinson said.
To enter, visit www.warrencountywildlifeexpo.com.
Robinson said, River Region Medical Center will conduct health screenings on-site and there will also be activities for kids including face painting and a BB gun gallery, where youngsters can practice target shooting.
They will also be able to practice bow fishing with the aid of a 300-gallon livestock tank that will be brought in, Robinson said.
Concessions including hamburgers and hot dogs will be available for sale.
The event is free and is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, call 601-636-2493 or visit www.warrencountywildlifeexpo.com.