ANNUAL GULF/FRANKLIN SPORTSMAN'S BANQUET SET FOR NOVEMBER 6
That little hint of fall teasing us early each morning these days gives notice that one of area sportsmen's most anticipated events is soon to occur.
The date of the Annual Gulf/Franklin Sportsman's Banquet has been set for Thursday evening, November 6. Port St. Joe Lions Club members are scurrying to make this year's event bigger and better than ever.
Attendees will once again enjoy the natural beauty of the Box R Ranch while socializing with numerous area sportsmen, and enjoying appetizers of Apalachicola oysters, boiled shrimp and all the trimmings beginning at 5:00 p.m. The beverage bar will also open at that time.
At 6:30 p.m., beneath a canopy of live oaks and palms the serious eating begins. Chef Charlie Norton's "world famous, no-man-left- hungry" rib-eye steaks will take up a goodly portion of the dinner plate, leaving just enough room for the salad, potato and rolls.
Don't forget to save room for Paige's "almost equally famous" banana pudding.
At 7:30, it's time to let a few notches out of your belt and get ready for the real excitement. Over $25,000 worth of contributions and prizes will be distributed to the guests through silent auctions, public auctions, and raffles. Hundreds of items will be offered, including shotguns, hunting rifles,offshore fishing trips, vacation rentals on Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach, rods and reels, original art, prints, and numerous other outdoor products.
Understanding that not every attendee will have the same affinity for outdoor products, there will also be an array of items specifically noted for the ladies' auctions.
Tickets are $50 for individuals, $80 for couples and $25 for children. They can be purchased at Preble-Rish and Hannon Insurance in Port St. Joe and all Apalachicola State Bank locations and Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce in Franklin County and any Lions Club member.
Additional information or ticket purchases can be made by calling 850-227-7200, 229-1133 or 653-8805.
The real winners at this year's banquet will be the beneficiaries of the community service projects supported by the Lions Club. Nearly $20,000 was raised at 2007's banquet for community service programs in Gulf and Franklin Counties.
