WILDLIFE AND PARKS TO CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Day at Pratt Operations Office to feature demonstrations, fishing, food, dignitaries, and fun

PRATT -- On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will culminate a year of events commemorating the agency's 100th anniversary with the KDWP Centennial Celebration. The event will take place at the Pratt Operations Office, 2 miles east and 1 mile south of Pratt, from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. The day will be filled with activities geared to every outdoor interest. Events, contests, exhibits, displays, and demonstrations will be held, and the Pratt Employees Group will operate a food concession featuring buffalo burgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings.

Events and contests will include the following:

  • team relay event — the Pratt Recreation Department will organize a running, biking, and canoeing relay, which will begin in downtown Pratt and finish at the Pratt office by 9 a.m.;
  • kids fishing pond — the KDWP Fisheries and Wildlife Division will organize a kids fishing contest, for three age categories. Prizes for contest winners;
  • general fishing — Centennial Pond will be open for catch and release fishing by all ages; and
  • canoeing.

Those looking for education or information will find KDWP staff manning booths and conducting training seminars on outdoor skills. Among the displays and demonstrations currently scheduled are the following:

  • hatchery tours;
  • education center tours;
  • Laser Shot hunting simulation system;
  • K-9 law enforcement demonstrations;
  • Law Enforcement patrol boats;
  • Fisheries shocker boat;
  • flint napping;
  • trophy scoring;
  • tackle making;
  • retriever demonstration;
  • flyfishing; and
  • archery.

The event will also be an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the state's conservation organizations. The following organizations will man exhibits:

  • Christian Food Bank;
  • Ducks Unlimited;
  • Kansas Farmer and Hunters Feeding the Hungry;
  • Kansas Furharvesters Association;
  • Kansas Sport Hunting Association;
  • Kansas Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation;
  • Pheasants Forever;
  • Pratt Tribune;
  • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation;
  • Kansas Wildlife Officers Association;
  • Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education; and
  • Kansas Wildscape.

The newly-developed Centennial Pond will be dedicated around lunch time with a number of state and local dignitaries on hand. This promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of outdoor Kansas, so everyone interested in hunting, fishing, boating, or nature in general is invited.

For more information, phone 620-672-5911.
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