Ducks Unlimited banquet Saturday

The idea for Ducks Unlimited was born by the winds that created the Dust Bowl. Untold acres of wetland habitat vanished in the 1930s, taking with them the promise of generations of waterfowl. In 1937, a small group of conservationists who realized that the majority of North America's waterfowl breed in the Canadian prairies, organized to raise money in the United States for waterfowl conservation in Canada.

It was the unique idea that became Ducks Unlimited.

The annual Tim Bell Memorial Chapter of Du Quoin Ducks Unlimited banquet will be held Saturday at the Exhibition Hall at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. The location has recently been moved from the SI Center. Co-chairman Clay Donough is expecting 250 or more. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The dinner will be served between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the live auction starting a 7 p.m.

There will be both live and silent auctions for some extraordinary items--commemorative guns, a Terry Redlin wildlife print valued at $1,000,, wildlife stamps and more.

Tickets are still available and they are selling for $45 per person, $60 per couple. If you want to be a banquet sponsor the cost is $250.

For more information about this great night, call Clay McDonnough (618) 318 - 2318 or John Darnell (618) 357 - 0125 It's an evening you will never forget.