'Longbeards' banquet set for Aug. 9

Cameron County Longbeards, one of the newest chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, has made a lot of progress in its first year.

The group will hold its first Hunting Heritage Banquet at the VFW in Emporium on Saturday, Aug. 9. It's open to the public. Doors open at 5 pm. Buffet dinner begins at 6:30, with a live auction to follow.

Auction items include rare art works by Thomas Kinkade, Dave Barnhouse and Terry Redlin; limited edition bronze sculptures by Terrell O'Brien; a moose antler glass top coffee table, canoe bookshelf, rocking chair, cuckoo clock, guns, bows and more.

The Longbeards are also selling chances on a 12-gauge Mossberg 535 shotgun and a 20-gauge Mossberg 500 Bantam Youth. Winners will be selected at the dinner.

Chapter President Ray Kratz said the Longbeards have many goals, from mentoring programs to planting and managing food plots. Those interested in conserving wild turkey and preserving hunting heritage are encouraged to join the club.

For more information or tickets, contact Ray Kratz at 546-2687, Ralph Grovanz at 486-2189 or Ryan Magaro at 512-2150.

More information is available at the chapter's website, cclongbeards.com.