| For
the first time the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoors
Festival was held outside of DU Headquarters at
the expansive Experimental Aircraft Association
(EAA) grounds outside of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Advance
publicity, and sunny weather drew droves of people
to the site. On Saturday, incoming traffic was backed
up onto country roads and there were some delays
getting into the parking areas.
Once
inside, there was plenty of room to enjoy the
festival. Every outdoor interest imaginable was
grouped into seven "villages" with a separate
area dedicated to youth activities. Activity associated
manufacturers provided plenty of "hands on" opportunities
to try their products. Conservation seminars,
instructional sessions, and demonstrations occurred
throughout the villages on a scheduled timetable.
Dogs on leash were allowed on the grounds and
provided with a number of biscuit break and watering
areas.
The
Jeep sponsored Hunting Dog village was extremely
popular. Retriever and pointer demonstrations
presented by professional trainers drew appreciative
crowds at every performance. Training equipment,
food, health products and veterinary information
surrounded the demonstration areas offering free
samples and advice.
Dodge
trucks sponsored the Shooting village were gun
and ammunition manufacturers displayed a wide
range of products. There were numerous demonstrations,
but the most popular was a large shooting range
which allowed those interested to participate
in trap and sporting clay with many of the guns
offered. |
