UNION—The Truth and the Outdoors (TATO) Wildlife Expo will be held March 25-27 at St. Clair High School in anticipation of 10,000 to 12,000 people attending.
The Franklin Baptist Association is sponsoring the event, which is similar to one held on association grounds in 2009 that drew more than 4,200 people. The prayers of Jim Plymale, Franklin Baptist Association director of missions, and other expo leaders are that as many as 200 may come to saving faith in Christ as a result of the effort.
“It is hoped that a new church can be started as a result of this expo as a better means to disciple and assimilate those accepting Christ,” Plymale said.
The wildlife expo consists of various seminars, exhibits, competitions, and events designed for those who have a passion for the outdoors. It is a free, family event that drew 75-plus vendors the first time. Activities include fishing, archery, and buck scoring.
Speakers include: Jase Robertson from Benelli’s hit TV Show “The Duck Commander;” “The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show;” Brian Utecht, professional hunter and B.A.S.S. fisherman and member of CTO Outfitters; Grant Woods, the nation’s leading deer biologist; Brad Herndon, a nationally renowned wildlife photographer; Ralph Duren, comedian and wildlife impersonator; and T.W. Norman, strongman and member of Team Extreme.
Administration and staff of St. Clair High School liked the first TATO so much that they offered the use of their campus for the 2011 event. It is anticipated that this time there will be more than 150 vendor booths, with improved parking.
Due in part to all of the planning, time and energy that it took to put together the first expo, Plymale said, it seemed wise to take a year off before launching the second one.
The association gets excited about putting on TATO as a means to obey the Great Commission. Through it they can declare God’s glory in all the earth and use their common interests in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities to relate to and share the Gospel with people.
With the emphasis on evangelism, Expo organizers are encouraging Christians to invite and bring unsaved family members and friends so that they will be exposed to the truth of the Creator’s love.
For more information, visit www.truthandtheoutdoors.org or call the association office at (636) 583-2639.
BY STAFF