As I sit here and reflect back over the 16 years of Redneck Adventures doing our Outdoor Extravaganza, one name comes to mind that is of Chef “Red” Bob Owens.

He was a great husband, father, coach, mentor, referee, chef and so much more. He was the chef in our first Outdoor Extravaganza and squirrel hunt 16 years ago. His gumbo ladle was always stirring in the pot, and he always helped feed veterans, soldiers, special needs kids and adults. As many of you may or may not know, he was an outstanding football player on the Ole Miss team from 1956-1960.

These Outdoor Extravaganza weekends were special to Red. He delighted in seeing others take pride in their accomplishments in the woods. Our auctions and hunts helped so many of all ages, races and genders.

This past weekend, around 72 hunters got to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

Our second weekend begins Friday evening with a banquet at the Natchez Community Center, where the gumbo will be prepared by Chef Bingo Starr and myself in memory of “Red” Owens.

We have all types of great things that will be auctioned off such as guns, trips, prizes, outdoor gear, knives and more. Last Friday evening, we even had about 12 Easy Bake Ovens that were prizes for some happy young ladies.

We’ll also have some nice patriotic items for auction with the proceeds going to the Home With Heroes Foundation, which helps our local veterans and loved ones. G. Mark LaFrancis, president of Home With Heroes, along with our Adams County Veterans Service officer Sonjagela Johnson will be there.

This year being our city’s 300th birthday, we wanted to do something extra special in memory of “Red,” so tickets are $10 for Friday night instead of $25. We invite the Miss-Lou to come out and support what we are all about.

On Saturday on the bluff on Broadway, we will have a cook-off featuring wild game and chef’s specialties. Tasting tickets will be $1 each. The winning team will be chosen by the tasters. We invite folks to get a team together. There is no charge to compete. There will be entertainment and beverages.

So, join us at the banquet Friday. Doors open at 5, and join us Saturday for the cook-off and tasting contest.

You may call me at 601-597-6658, send an email to redneckadventure@yahoo.com or see us on Facebook at Redneck Adventures. We invite you to help us change lives.

 

Jimmy Allgood is organizer for the Outdoor Extravaganza and host of Redneck Adventures.