The South Hills Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is set to host its annual Hunting Heritage Banquet Saturday, Aug. 26 at Collins Career Technical Center to raise money for projects that conserve wildlife and preserve Ohio’s hunting heritage.

“This is the chapter’s 23rd year hosting our banquet, and every year is better than the one before,” Larry Pernestti, chapter president and banquet chairman, said. “It’s the best opportunity in town to meet other people who care about conservation, while enjoying good food and good fun.”

The banquet is family-friendly, and no alcohol will be served. Families can play games and enter raffles for a chance to win up to 25 guns, including pistols, rifles, muzzleloaders and shotguns. There will also be silent auctions for exclusive framed art, guns, collectibles, sculptures, home furnishings and more.

Local and state NWTF chapters host thousands of similar events nationwide each year that help conserve wildlife and habitat, and introduce new people to the outdoors. Many families enjoy hunting together and pass traditions on from one generation to another. Hunting is also important for the health of our nation’s wildlife habitat because hunters fund conservation.

The NWTF also recently launched the national Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt Initiative, which increases habitat, land and hunters. Nationwide, each NWTF chapter supports the initiative’s three goals of creating 1.5 million hunters, conserving and enhancing 4 million acres of wildlife habitat, and opening 500,000 acres of hunting access in the next 10 years.

Corporate sponsor tables at the banquet that seat eight people cost $800, and include a corporate sponsor gift. A gun may also be added to corporate tables for an additional $450, which one of the eight people at the table will win.

Couple’s tickets are $120 and single tickets are $60. Also offered is a Gobbler Package (single), which includes one sponsor membership, a free gift, one dinner ticket, $400 in raffle tickets and one Gun of the Year ticket for $350.

A Hen and Gobbler Package is also available for couples, which includes the same as the previous package, plus one more adult membership and an additional dinner ticket for $400.

All ticket prices include admission, dinner and a single one-year NWTF membership.

Doors open at 4 p.m., and you may eat dinner at your leisure between 4-6:30 p.m. The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For more information or to schedule reservations for the banquet, contact Pernestti at 740-534-9128 or 740-646-6907. You may also email the chapter at southhillslongbeards@gmail.com or visit the website www.southhillslongbeards.org.