The City of Huntsville will host the eighth annual Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo July 6 through 8 at the Von Braun Center, South Hall.
Organizers say that they expect a record crowd this weekend to meet a star of the “Duck Dynasty” TV show, receive fishing tips from a Bassmasters Classic Champion, to watch a water-skiing squirrel and live rattlesnakes perform, and tour more than 500 sporting manufacturers’ booths at the Expo.
“Our event offers informative demos and other items of interest for deer, duck, turkey, dove, and quail hunters, as well as bass fishermen and bow fishermen. Attendees can meet one of their favorite stars from ‘Duck Dynasty,’ and we provide many fun events designed especially for children, who will be the hunters and fishermen of tomorrow. Hundreds of door prizes will also be awarded throughout the event,” Expo owner Will Ainsworth said. ”Each year, roughly 35,000 people pass through the doors of North Alabama’s largest hunting and fishing event, and we believe the 2018 attendance numbers will be our biggest yet.”
State Representative Will Ainsworth, R-Guntersville, is also a candidate in the Republican primary runoff on July 17 for Lieutenant Governor.
According to Expo organizers, Jase Robertson, a star of the hit TV show “Duck Dynasty,” will be signing autographs, posing for pictures and answering audience questions. 2012 Bassmaster Classic Champion Chris Lane, who has almost $2 million in tournament winnings, will be available to provide fishing tips and tactics. Their appearances are being sponsored by First South Farm Credit.
A live rattlesnake show is being sponsored by Landers McLarty Dodge Ram. The snakes are a new addition to the Expo schedule. Children will once again be thrilled by watching the popular “Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel” perform.
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. The Expo is hosting the state and regional duck calling championship on Saturday.
Landers McClary will also provide a free RTIC cooler to anyone who purchases a new Dodge Ram truck and provides an Expo ticket stub.
The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 6; from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 7; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 8. The price of adult admission is $10. Children 12-years-old and younger are admitted free.
The hunting and fishing industries are not only popular recreational sports in Alabama, they are also important industries in Alabama.
State Senator Marsh, R-Anniston, addressing the Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus said, “I don’t think many of us realize the economic impact of hunting and fishing on the state of Alabama. It is big. It is a $3.5 billion industry and it is growing every day.”
