Leonard at Large

Developing a new focus on recreation

We have resources in this area that most of us do not think about. We have a great opportunity that has never been developed. With the Four Rivers Conservation Area along with other recreation areas, people are coming to Vernon County.

The question might be is how well are we serving those visitors into our area? Are we marketing to them in a manner that would encourage them to stay in the community and to take advantages of what is offered here.

There is a great demand for land that offers recreation opportunities. It was not many years ago that much of the land that is now considered as recreation ground was not worth much -- especially compared to crop land. Now people are looking for places to be available to them for hunting and other recreation opportunities. That same land that was not worth much in comparison is now selling for nearly as much as farm land.

What is happening? One of the things that was brought to the attention of Chamber of Commerce members at a recent meeting is that we have a large number of visitors that go through our county each area. We are in the migration paths for water fowl. Due to greater conservation practices, the number of these birds has increased.

As result, we have great places for hunters to go duck hunting. Others are coming into the area for fishing. A major enterprise in our society is recreation.

Many of the sportsmen are willing to spend great sums of money for their recreation.

Efforts need to be made to market our area and what is available for recreation.

An event has been in the planning stage for several months and will soon be a reality -- the Four Rivers Sportsman's RecFest which will be held at September 25 and 26. Folks, this is going to be a major regional event for our area. It is unique, something that is unusual, an event that has not been held in this area. The RecFest will be where water fowl activities, conservation, family fun and hands-on activities will come together.

Of the upcoming event, Kathi Wysong, chamber director, said, "I have never seen so many people this excited in my life."

There are a large number getting behind the RecFest in a variety of ways. It has gotten bigger than expected. The officials for the event expect to have an attendance of 5,000 to 6,000. If there is that kind of attendance, and most likely there will be, it will be a major tourist attraction. This two-day event is the designated Ducks Unlimited's Regional four-state Waterfowling Festival.

This RecFest will be held at the Vernon County Centennial Park Fairgrounds.

Here is another example of events that can be held at the fairgrounds. Back when the land was purchased, the fairboard wanted it to belong to the people of Vernon County to be used more that only one week a year. Events will also be held at Four Rivers and at Nevada Elks Lodge.

There will be several activities taking place during the RecFest. One example is trout fishing. A stocked trout pond will be brought in with opportunities to catch trout. It is said that each person will be guaranteed a catch. The way I catch trout -- which I haven't tried for a few years -- someone will need to hook the fish on the hook.

There will also be trap shooting. The Browning Company will be providing the shotguns and ammunition. It has been a long time since I have fired a shotgun. If I should take advantage of this opportunity, promise me that you will not laugh at me.

Other activities will include: archery skills, ATV demonstrations, barbecue cookoff, boats and blinds contest, conservation, other casting activities, and duck hunter's challenge. The activities will also include game calling contests, outdoor skills seminars, retriever activities, retriever activities and other shooting In addition at Four Rivers there will be retriever demonstrations, wetlands experience and a self-guided driving tour. The activities at the Nevada Elks Lodge will include Ducks Unlimited benefit dinner and auction a knife and gun sale, and a hospitality garden. Included among the RecFest activities will be the Muzzleloaders Rendezvous.

There are similar festivals held on a larger scale in Oshkosh, Wisc., Memphis, Tenn., and Richmond, Va. The Four River Rivers RecFest has been designated as a pilot program for regional festivals by Ducks Unlimited National Director of Special Events Gary Goodpaster and his staff.

Brad Landoll is serving as the event coordinator heading up the group putting on this event. Chip Balk is serving as chairman for the vendors and sponsors.

There are several sponsors involved in the sponsorship of the event and forty vendors have committed to participating. This festival will be about recreation.

Wow! What a fantastic event this is shaping up to be. Even though this event is yet to be held, already different ones are planning on what they want to do and be involved next year.

All good things are started with an idea. Where did such an unique idea originate? Kathi related that the seed was planted in Vision 2000 planning. This is when a large group got together to brainstorm on what could be done in the community.

She said that she was giving thought to the need to recognize Four Rivers. There was a need, she felt, to roll out the red carpet to all of those that are coming into the community. The idea for this RecFest came to her on what could be done as she was walking her dogs in the mornings.

Terry Ramsey and Kathi attended a state tourism meeting. They were visiting with a representative form the conservation department. The conservation people liked the idea and they were involved in a meeting early 2003 with Mark Jackson from Ducks Unlimited. The question is what could be done and the planning for the RecFest was started.

What once was an idea is becoming a reality. It will be a learning experience and a fun event.