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Annual Smoker kicks off Saturday

May 5, 2017 | 1:00 PM

Despite uncertainties if the event would return in 2017, the Battlefords Wildlife Federation is hosting its 72nd annual Smoker on Saturday, May 6, at the North Battleford Civic Centre.

“The reason why it was [uncertain] is that it’s getting to be a very large event for us to plan,” Kevin Guttormson, Director of the Battlefords Wildlife Federation, said. “Last year did work out [though]. We had a fairly successful year where we were past where we needed to be.”

In the past, the annual Smoker has served dinner to over 1,000 people at the event, and this year Guttormson hopes to see the same numbers.

Attendees at this all-ages event will find a variety of commercial exhibits, displays, silent auctions and activities. In addition, the Smoker is featuring an enhanced kids’ corner. Adults can enjoy a new raffle draw for a “truckload of booze” valued at $2,500.

“We have way more prizes for the kids…they’re going to earn tickets, and then there will be raffle prizes,” Guttormson said. “If they want [a] fishing rod, everything they earn they can throw in the fishing rod bucket, so the more tickets they have the more chances they have to win.”

Tickets are available at Norsask Farm Equipment, Co-op Leisure Time Sports and Piper Equipment. Ticket prices are $15 for members of the Battlefords Wildlife Federation, $20 for non-members, and $5 per child under 12. There will also be rush tickets available at the door.

Proceeds for the event will go toward programs such as the Habitat Trust Fund, which are purchased lands that are blocked off specifically for hunting, firearm safety courses and the Battlefords Goose Project.

Doors open at 4 p.m., and dinner consisting of a variety of foods will be provided from 5 until 8 p.m.

 

jared.gottselig@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW