The Lincoln County Wildlife Expo recorded some of its best turnout numbers yet and enthusiasm was high Friday and Saturday, said event organizers.

     “There’s been a tremendous attendance,” said Quinn Jordan, director of the Lincoln County Civic Center. “It’s been strong throughout the weekend.”

     In years past, attendance has averaged up to 3,000 people.

     Retail sales by event vendors were also estimated to be up.

     “People are spending money,” Jordan said. “Everyone is having a great time.”

     Paul Meeks handcrafts turkey calls and has been coming to the Lincoln County expo for years now. He said Friday night appeared to be largest crowd he’s seen at one time at the expo, though he reported Saturday as a little slower.

     He’s seen some good sales activity.

     “Turkey hunters don’t care what time of year it is,” Meeks said. “If it’s something they like, they’re going to buy it.”

     As crowds milled Saturday, they had the option of visiting retail vendors, sitting down for some food, seeing a snake demonstration or watching a man attack a block of wood with chainsaw in hand and turn it into something more than firewood.

     Under the surgical attention of Burt Fleming of WoodBCreations, pine logs transformed into horse and wolf heads, a vulture, an eagle and more.

     Fleming was a new attraction for the expo. He does all his carving only with chainsaws and all under the supervision of a live audience.

     “He does a heck of a good job,” said Kail Jordan.

     Jordan, 12, was among Saturday’s crowds. He spent most of his time at the archery events.

     “Just trying to get ready for bow season,” Jordan said.

     This year, the 3D archery range expanded to include pop-up targets, and archers were lining up Saturday to train their sights on those mobile targets. Kail Jordan has been bow hunting since he was 7 and was a fan of an increased challenge.

     Target practice options also expanded this year to include a pellet gun shoot for children of all ages.

     Kail Jordan spent a little time on that, but kept returning to the bow shooting.  But regardless of what’s on the agenda, mark him down as a repeat customer.

     “I come every year,” Kail Jordan said. “It’s been fun.”