First EPIC Outdoor Game Fair Introduces Families to the Great Outdoors
OutdoorHub 09.26.11
Douglasville, Georgia – After three days of fun and education, the first ever EPIC Outdoor Game Fair wrapped up on Sunday evening with a rocking outdoor concert by country music star, Aaron Tippin. The event, hosted by Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) and (QU) at Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club in Douglasville, Georgia, helped bring fun in the great outdoors to every attendee, many who had never participated in hunting, fishing or shooting sports.
“EPIC Outdoor Game Fair began as a vision to build the biggest game fair in the Southeast, and we are well on our way towards accomplishing that vision after our inaugural event,” said Joe Hosmer, President of SCI Foundation. “Thousands of people were on the event grounds throughout the three-day weekend and all of the participants raved about the great activities we had. To see the smile on the child who caught her first fish or the retired couple new to shooting who left planning to make sport shooting a hobby they can take up together – that’s what this was all about.”
The activity villages were busy with people trying their hand at shooting, archery, fishing, dog training and learning about equestrian sports and birds of prey. Every person got individual attention, and learning opportunities were everywhere. Eukanuba’s Canine Village entranced families with puppies at the dog breed meet-and-greet and provided fun to watch with the Super Dock and Super Retriever Series dog events. The Archery Village, sponsored by Mossy Oak, had beginners to experts lined up to shoot targets and learn about competitive archery and skill-build for future hunting expeditions. Beretta’s Shooting Village introduced shooters with their demonstration guns and National Sporting Clays Association instructors provided guidance while advanced shooters tried their hand at Foxhall’s brand new sporting clays course designed by Marty Fischer. Laser Shot provided simulated experiences while Crosman provided expert air rifle instruction to young and old alike.
Orvis fly-fishing coaches brought their Fly-Fishing 101 program to provide basic casting instruction, and kids fished in a pond stocked with bluegills, many catching their first fish. The Yamaha ATV Village had a course to try vehicles out on the grounds still soggy from drenching rains earlier in the week. In the Equestrian Village, an array of professional horsemen and women demonstrated the many disciplines possible for those interested in participating in or learning more about riding.
Over 100 local, national and international exhibitors brought world-class products, outdoor experiences, and artwork to EPIC Outdoor Game Fair attendees. Kevin’s Fine Guns of Thomasville, Shooting Sportsman, and General Motors Corporation were among the many exhibitors who showcased the hunting and fishing industry. And throughout the weekend, concerts entertained visitors culminating in Aaron Tippin’s musical tribute to hardworking Americans. Each day, happy but tired families filed out of Foxhall with a far broader knowledge and interest in spending time together outdoors.
To support youth education and conservation efforts throughout the United States and worldwide, SCI Foundation and QU hosted a Gala dinner in beautiful downtown Buckhead, Georgia. Capt. Chad Fleming, a three-time Purple Heart recipient, provided a moving speech describing the importance of getting wounded veterans mainstreamed back into society through hunting and fishing activities supported by SCI Foundation.
SCI Foundation and QU are proud to have brought the first ever EPIC Outdoor Game Fair to the Southeastern United States. For photos and videos of the event, head to the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair website.
Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds and manages worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian services. Since 2000, SCI Foundation has provided $47 million to these causes around the world. Visit www.safariclubfoundation.org for more information.
Quail Unlimited® is the oldest national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the management of America’s wild quail. Known as “America’s Leader In Quail Conservation SM,” QU’s overall vision is to restore America’s quail populations for future generations. The organization’s core values include the wise stewardship of our land and its resources, and the continuation of our proud heritage of conservation, therefore, leaving a legacy and firm foundation for our youth and families to build upon.
