Like a fine wine, the annual Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days celebration gets better with age.
This weekend marks the 29th annual edition of the extravaganza, which is hosted by John A. Logan College. Close to 40,000 area residents are expected to make the trek to Carterville during one or both days of the outdoor and indoor event.
A few highlights include: Brody the Bear, Buckskinner's Village, Bass Tubb Art and Heritage Show; Splash Dogs, Duck and Goose Calling Contests for children and adults, Camo the Clown, high school fishing tournament, and much, much more.
"Some new activities we have for the kids this year are laser tag and wall climbing," said Dwight Hoffard, one of the original organizers of the celebration. "We try to add something new every year."
Hoffard said the show will begin at 9 a.m. each day. It will run through 5 p.m. Saturday and through 4 p.m. on Sunday.
"I enjoy pretty much all of it," Hoffard said. "I think what excites me the most is watching young kids catch their first fish in our pond and the smile it brings to their faces. You can't beat that."
Hoffard said that the pond was recently restocked. Some of the fish were tagged. The first three youngsters to catch a tagged fish each day will be awarded a new bicycle and helmet, courtesy of McDonald's.
JALC spokesman Steve O'Keefe said that anytime the college has an opportunity to get 40,000 people on campus it's a good thing.
"An event like this allows us to promote the college, as well as the entire region," he said. "Hunting and Fishing Days shows what all Southern Illinois has to offer. It truly is an event that benefits everyone from restaurants and hotels to our tourism industry."
Hoffard added that there is never a dull moment with the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days celebration and is something he looks forward to each year.
"I think it's become a Southern Illinois tradition," he said.
