Another record crowd is expected to converge on Huntsville this weekend to meet two stars of the “Duck Dynasty” TV show, receive fishing tips from a Bassmaster Classic Champion, watch a water-skiing squirrel perform, and tour more than 500 sporting manufacturers’ booths during the 6th Annual Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo at the Von Braun Civic Center.
The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 8; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 9; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 10. Adult admission is $10.00, and children 12-years-old and younger are admitted for free.
“During last year’s Expo, more than 32,000 people entered the doors, and we believe the 2016 attendance numbers will be even bigger for North Alabama’s largest hunting and fishing event,” Expo co-founder Will Ainsworth said. “We will offer something of interest for deer, duck, turkey, dove, and quail hunters, as well as bass fishermen and bow fishermen. In addition to the informative demos, attendees can meet some of their favorite stars from ‘Duck Dynasty,’ and we offer many fun events designed especially for children, who will be the hunters and fishermen of tomorrow. Several large door prizes will also be awarded throughout the event, as well.”
Willie Robertson, the CEO of Duck Commander, and John Godwin, the company’s shipping manager, both star on the hit A&E channel TV show “Duck Dynasty” and will be on hand to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and answer audience questions. Their appearance is sponsored by First South Farm Credit and Argo off-road amphibious vehicles.
2012 Bassmaster Classic Champion Chris Lane, one of the nation’s top professional anglers with more than $1.8 million in tournament winnings, will be available to interact with Expo patrons and provide fishing tips and tactics. Lane’s appearance is sponsored by Dream Ranch hunting lodge in Guntersville.
Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, which sells the Dodge Ram – the official truck of the North Alabama Hunting and Fishing Expo – is also a major sponsor of the event.
The first 100 children to enter the doors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will receive free Zebco rod and reel combos courtesy of the Alabama Bass Trail. Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel will also perform and entertain the children.
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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — First-term state representative Wes Long recently announced that he will not seek re-election to his House District 27 seat. Today, Republican Will Ainsworth threw his hat in the ring to become Long’s successor.
Ainsworth operates a well known hunting and fishing lodge in Guntersville called Dream Ranch.
If elected, he says economic development and job creation would he his immediate focus.
“As a legislator, I will pledge to work with Gov. Robert Bentley and his team to recruit much needed jobs and industry to the Marshall County area,” Ainsworth said. “It’s no secret that our area is still suffering the effects of the economic downturn, and I believe that I have the energy, vision, and drive necessary to help bring some long overdue relief.”
Ainsworth also noted his desire to help protect the fundamental rights of Alabamians from continuing attacks by Democrats on the federal level.
“Since Obama has taken office, our gun rights, our religious freedoms, and even the fundamental right to life have been under constant assault,” he said. “I understand that the state legislature is the last line of defense against these attacks and can create roadblocks that prevent ObamaCare and other liberal policies from taking root here.”
Prior to founding Dream Ranch, Ainsworth was the full-time youth director at Albertville’s Grace Fellowship Church. In addition to the ranch, he also operates a commercial cattle farm.
Ainsworth is a co-founder of the Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo, which he says has grown into one of the largest trade shows of its kind in the southeast, with more than 30,000 attendees annually.
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