Ducks Unlimited celebration set for August 11 in Decatur

Alabama Ducks Unlimited will celebrate 75 years of conservation by hosting a day-long event for the public on the banks of the Tennessee River in Decatur.

Set for Aug. 11, 2012, the 75th anniversary Celebration and Outdoor Heritage Festival will feature outdoor related exhibitors, presentations from outdoor celebrities, live music, plus many more family-friendly activities.

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the public is invited to learn more about Ducks Unlimited and its conservation efforts and enjoy entertainment from special guest appearances by the Duck Commander Phil Robertson, the Sporting Chef Scott Leysath, Donny McElvoy from the “Hunt, Fish, and Cook” television show, Deke the DU dog from Wildrose Kennels, and other outdoor celebrities. The event concludes with an outdoor concert by Daryle Singletary. All activities take place at the Ingalls Harbor Pavilion located at 802 Wilson St. NW.

On Friday evening at 6:30 p.m., the celebration committee will host a VIP reception. The evening includes many of the featured attendees, cooking demonstrations and sampling by The Sporting Chef Scott Leysath, and a small Ducks Unlimited raffle and auction. A limited number of tickets are available at $50 each.

Advance tickets are $10 each and may be purchased online at www.ducks.org/alabama/events/. Admission is $20 per person on the day of the event. Children under six years of age are admitted free.

Sponsors are Turf Doctor, Inc., Sportsman’s Pride, Omega Pride, Phoenix Roofing and Restoration, Blackridge Land Company, Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin, H&R Agri-Power, Joe Wheeler EMC, Lynn Layton Chevrolet, Tanksley Machine and Tool, Wiley’s Outdoor Sports, and State Farm. Proceeds benefit the organization’s mission and the future of waterfowl hunting.

For more information on the 75th anniversary celebration, contact Festival Chair Chad Hughey at 256-565-4747.