Outdoors enthusiasts from all over can hunt for knowledge, gearand fun Friday and Saturday during the Lincoln County Wildlife Expoat the Lincoln Civic Center.

Organizers and volunteers spent much of Thursday putting thefinishing touches on the Beltline Road facility for the event thatkicks off Friday at 5 p.m. Efforts included setting up booths,hanging signs and other late-minute details.

“We’ve got everything going,” said Lincoln Civic Center ManagerQuinn Jordan.

The event runs until 9 p.m. Friday and continues from 9 a.m.until 7 p.m. Saturday. Jordan was anticipating 750-1,000 visitorsFriday and another 1,500-2,000 on Saturday.

“We’re hoping to have more than 3,000 people this year,” Jordansaid.

Admission to the expo is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages7-12. Children under 6 are admitted free.

The expo, now in its third year, will have approximately 60booths with hunting, fishing, outdoors and outdoors-themed homedécor items available. Sportsmen’s wives have not been forgotten asjewelry, purses and other items are available as well.

“Boothwise, we have 25 to 30 percent more than last year,”Jordan said.

Jordan said a 3-D archery area has been relocated on the centergrounds to accommodate more participation.

“We’ve had a good turnout, but we’d like to have an exceptionalone,” he said.

And what’s an event without food?

Jordan said Mitchell’s will be offering outdoors-themed fooditems and the Loyd Star FFA will be selling steak on a stick toraise funds for its agriculture program.

And in a departure from prior years’ competitions, a gumbocook-off will be held this year. Pre-registration by calling601-823-9064 is required before 7 p.m. Friday to participate in thecook-off.

“The gumbo seems to be raising the most eyebrows,” Jordansaid.

Visitors may participate in a gumbo Taster’s Choice Saturdayafternoon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The winner will be named at 6:30p.m.

Representatives from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife,Fisheries and Parks will be at the expo Friday at 7 p.m. andSaturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss new hunting laws andhunting season dates. Winners of the children’s Fishing for Pointstournament will be announced at 4:30 p.m.

There will be several prize drawings awarded during theexpo.

Two guns, one for children age 7-12 and another for adults, willbe given out at 6 p.m., although a person over age 18 must bepresent to accept the gun for the children’s winner. Also, therewill be door prizes for attendees given out every 15 to 30 minutes,Jordan said.

A wide variety of other activities will also be held during theexpo. Jordan expressed appreciation to the expo’s many sponsors andsaid the event is an excellent way to “spend a good day with thefamily.”

“This truly is an event for the entire family,” said Jordan,mentioning events for young and old alike. “There’s something foreverybody and everybody in between.”