More than 300 people are expected to attend the annual Delta National Rifle Association Family Banquet Thursday.

Attendance at the event has grown each year, organizer Charles Tarver said, and this year should be no different.

“It’s catching on,” he said. “And that’s what we are hoping for. We include family participation because kids are our future. If kids are hunting and fishing they stay off the streets.”

Proceeds from the $30 per adult and $15 per child tickets will go to fund grants handed out locally by the organization. The grants are awarded to 4-H clubs and children’s shooting clubs.

A portion of the money raised will also be turned over to the NRA to be spent lobbying for gun rights, Tarver said.

“If we didn’t have the NRA we wouldn’t have guns for people to hunt with,” he said.

The banquet starts at 6 p.m. and will end at approximately 9:30 p.m. Several drawings, raffles and games will be a part of the banquet.

Tarver stressed that the event would be enjoyable for children as well as adults.

As of Tuesday, 27 eight-person tables had already been sold. Tarver said he expects many people to buy their tickets at the door, though.

Those wishing to buy tickets in advance can contact Tarver at 318-336-5231 or contact Mike Rabb or Pat Galloway.

The delta region of the NRA includes members from Tensas and Catahoula parishes.

The banquet is open to the public, and is not limited to NRA members.