Forever Outdoors Press Release
make ready for a new statewide event.
in the outdoors for the whole family
September 6th and 7th, 2008 are the dates for a first of its kind event, titled "Forever Outdoors." Honey Creek Resort will host the event sponsored by Pheasants Forever and the Iowa DNR. This will also be the first event for the all new resort at Lake Rathbun, which is located in south central Iowa. The new state-of-the-art facility was designed with the entire family in mind, as there are meeting and conference rooms, unlimited outdoors recreation, a golf course and even an indoor water park. A great environment for relaxation and enjoying the out-of-doors!
"The event gives us the opportunity to showcase this remarkable facility, Rathbun Lake and the surrounding communities," says Terry Montgomery, project administrator for Honey Creek Resort. "Forever Outdoors and events like it are just what we were hoping for when the destination park was conceived. Our local Honey Creek partners are anxious to cultivate these opportunities and grow their local economy." Forever Outdoors is expected to draw several thousand visitors and vendors to the area for the two-day event.
"We really want to focus on youth and those interested in learning more about the outdoors," says Tom Fuller, Pheasants Forever's Regional Representative for Eastern Iowa. Forever Outdoors' goal is to provide an opportunity to experience outdoor activities first-hand. Kids can visit the Youth Village sponsored by Pizza Ranch and choose from a variety of crafts, games and activities, all related to the outdoors. Most will be hands-on, including: bird feeder building, fishing rod repair, canoeing, fly tying, Frisbee golf and the ever-popular Laser Shot, a simulative shooting game for all ages.
Shooting sports demonstrations by top national shooters will be held in the area as well as clay target shooting events for all ages. Spectators can watch Patrick Flanigan of Winchester attempt to break his own world record and or they can browse and shoot a new shotgun from the Shotgun Showcase sponsored by Iowa Telecom at the trap range. "We will have plenty to do for the whole family, even the dog," says John Linquist, Pheasant Forever's Western Iowa Representative.
A whole host of dog-related activities are planned and owners are welcome to bring their dogs for special events, friendly competitions and one-on-one training tips from the professional staff of Native Dog Food. A Dock Dogs regional competition, sponsored by Culligan Water, will have dogs jumping and competing for awards and cash prizes. "Dock Dogs is known for drawing quite a crowd," says Linquist. "Competition-class dogs will be participating, but anyone is welcome to bring their dog to jump for fun or for photos." For more information about Dock Dogs visit www.dockdogs.com.
We are also pleased to announce our extensive habitat seminars and tours sponsored by Weekend Warrior. Signups will be available for tours and sessions that exhibit new mid-contract management practices and other habitat improvements that will not only benefit water quality but will also enhance habitat for multiple species of wildlife. "Matt O'Connor and his expert staff of Pheasants Forever habitat specialists will be answering habitat questions all weekend about how you can improve your little slice of paradise," said Dave Van Waus, Pheasants Forever's Regional Wildlife Biologist for Central Iowa.
In addition, a full schedule of habitat, hunting, wildlife and dog training seminars will be presented in both indoor and outdoor settings. Landowners can discuss habitat projects with biologists and other habitat specialists at the Habitat Huddle. More than 150 vendors, representing outdoor-related businesses from seed sales and habitat equipment to dog supplies and gun manufacturers, will be available to sell products and services and answer questions.
"We want Forever Outdoors to be a fun, hands-on, information-gathering experience for anyone interested in the outdoors," says Fuller. "We couldn't think of a better venue to do this at than the new Honey Creek Resort. With all the resort has to offer - the lodge, hotel, water park, golf course, lake, trails and surrounding areas - we are hoping people will make Forever Outdoors their fall getaway."
"As always, the DNR is proud to partner with such strong conservation leaders as Iowa Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever," said Ken Herring, Conservation and Recreation Division administrator for the DNR. "We are especially excited about this event, which is a first-of-its-kind in more ways than one." Forever Outdoors will be the first public event scheduled for the new Honey Creek Resort State Park, scheduled to open this August.
For more information about the event as a participant or vendor, visit www.iowapheasantsforever.org. To reserve a room for the weekend visit www.honeycreekresort.com or call 641-724-9600.
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March 31, 2008