Bluff City Mallards banquet raises $29,000

Despite two other large events going on in Poplar Bluff Saturday night, organizers said the annual Bluff City Mallards/Ducks Unlimited banquet at the Black River Coliseum was a success.

The event saw 175 visitors and went smoothly, chapter chairman Jeremy Wethington said.

“It was a good night,” Wethington noted. “Everything ran smoothly, and people were pleased with the games and the guns we had available.”

Brian Hancock (right) tries to win a gun at the shell pull game as committee member Josh Ashley looks on.DAR/Paul Davis

The banquet, Wethington said, grossed “a little over $29,000,” which puts it right in line with last year’s event.

The banquet began with a social hour, where visitors could peruse the various items in the silent auction and play the many games set up.

Items available to game winners and silent auction winners included framed prints, hunting and decorative decoys, hunting gear, home decor and more.

Arlon Meyers gets a close look at a Winchester shotgun.DAR/Paul Davis

After the social hour, Karon Campbell and her crew from Tasteful Creations served a steak dinner, which was then followed by a live auction conducted by Felix Baker.

Two items, Wethington said, were especially popular on the live auction, and they were the specklebelly decoy of the year and a framed Ralph McDonald print.

Over the course of the event, about 17 guns were given away, Wethington said.

Committee member Jordan Quint (right) sells B.J. Campbell a raffle ticket on the handgun of the year.DAR/Paul Davis

The Shotgun of the Year, a Beretta A400, was won by Kevin Shackleford, while the Pistol of the Year, a Beretta M9A3, went home with Grant Collins.

This year’s event, Wethington said, had 20 local sponsors, which help reduce expenses and allow more money to go toward on-the-ground habitat projects.

“Thanks to all of our sponsors and underwriters, plus everyone who came out to make the night a success,” Wethington said.

Committee volunteers, he said, always are welcome, and anyone wanting to help can call Wethington at 573-718-8167.