Outdoor Expo at The REZ
4/11/2017 9:00:00 AM
From the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District
The eyes of the competitive fishing world will be on Barnett Reservoir April 27-30 when the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament is staged at Madison Landing and Old Trace Park.
While 111 of the best bass fishermen in the world are battling on the water, spectators will be able to enjoy the Outdoor Expo at The Rez, presented by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Free to the public, as are all Elite-related events, the Expo will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 29-30, and feature fun and entertainment for the entire family.
The MDWFP will fill Old Trace Park with many of its assets, highlighting the great heritage of outdoor sports in Mississippi. In addition to providing information on the many hunting/fishing opportunities in the state, the agency will have hands-on fun for children.
"The MDWFP's involvement in the Outdoor Expo at the Rez is perfect, since it is responsible for the efforts that have made our state a desired destination to fish and hunt," said Bobby Cleveland of the Barnett Reservoir Foundation, which is the site-coordinating host for the Elite event. "All that we have to enjoy in Mississippi's great outdoors is to the credit of the MDWFP. They manage the resource that is the envy of other states."
The agency is still building its plan for the Expo but has many assets to bring to the event, such as a youth archery range from its Archery in Mississippi Schools Program, exhibits from the Museum of Natural Science, hunting, fishing and boating safety instruction, environmental and wildlife conservation programs and much more.
The Barnett Reservoir Foundation will also present live music on the main stage at Old Trace Saturday and Sunday, scheduled around the weigh-ins. The music line-up will be announced soon. The Foundation will also operate a beer garden at the event.
Vending - food, arts and crafts, etc. - and exhibit space is available for the Outdoor Expo through the Barnett Reservoir Foundation. For information, visit BarnettReservoirFoundation.org or call Cindy Ford at (601) 605-6898.
Sponsors for the event include Ridgeland Tourism Commission, Visit Mississippi, the Barnett Reservoir Foundation and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
