Feathers, Fins and Fur weekend event upcoming
Published 12:24 pm Friday, June 28, 2013
Feathers, Fins and Fur participants learned how to blow duck calls from Brandon Smith while watching retriever demonstrations during the 2012 event at Foscue Park.
Looking back at pictures from last year’s Feathers, Fins and Fur outdoor weekend, Park Ranger Anne Cross smiled as she recalled all the fun the participants had during the event.
“The kids, they love it, they just love it,” Cross said.
This year’s fifth annual event will fill the weekend of July 27-28 at Foscue Park with outdoor activities such as a raptor presentation, a duck calling contest, a catfish rodeo, kayaking and much more.
Vince Deas and his son, Bryant, are shown participating in the archery station during the 2012 event.
The event is hosted collaboratively by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation, to provide young people and their parents a weekend of fun outdoors.
In addition to many activities, the sponsors and vendors provide participants with prizes and gifts.
Registration for the event is $35 per child and $15 per adult. Each child must be accompanied by an adult for the weekend.
“The event is to get children outside with their loved ones and enjoy the outdoors,” Cross said.
For those that are interested, camping will be free for the weekend’s participants. Those planning to camp must notify organizers in advance.
The registration cost includes NWTF JAKES Membership, Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Membership, meals, a T-shirt, activities, raffles, campsite and prizes. The event is catered to those children ages 8-17.
Sara McVay kayaks on the river in the 2012 Feathers, Fins and Fur weekend.
Cross said she urges those interested to pre-register as this will give organizers an idea of how many participants will attend the event.
Last year’s event drew 74 children and their parents.
Saturday will begin at 7 a.m. with registration. Then from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants will enjoy various activities and speakers including Bob Walker of Turkey Thugs, dog retrieving demos by Blackbelt Retrievers and live duck bandings.
Sunday’s activities begin early with an optional church service. Then the participants move to nearby property for skeet shooting, archery, airboat rides and more giveaways from 7 a.m. to noon.
“This is a great family event,” Cross said.
To register, those interested can make checks payable to NWTF and mail the payment to Brandon Smith at 384 Resource Management Drive, Demopolis.
For more information or to find out more about sponsorship opportunities contact (334) 289-3540.
