First-of-its-Kind Outdoor Fair Predicted to Draw Thousands
"Forever Outdoors" Inaugural Event at Honey Creek Resort State Park
Posted: March 31, 2008

DES MOINES – Mark your calendars for Sept. 6-7, 2008, as Honey Creek Resort hosts Forever Outdoors, a festival sponsored by Iowa Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. It marks the first major special event to be featured at the new resort state park, which is on Rathbun Lake in south-central Iowa.

“As always, the DNR is proud to partner with such strong conservation leaders as Iowa Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever,” said Ken Herring, Conservation and Recreation Division administrator for the DNR. “We are especially excited about this event, which is a first-of-its-kind in more ways than one.” Forever Outdoors will be the first public event scheduled for the new Honey Creek Resort State Park, scheduled to open this August.

“The event gives us the opportunity to showcase this remarkable facility, Rathbun Lake and the surrounding communities,” says Terry Montgomery, project administrator for Honey Creek Resort. “Forever Outdoors and events like it are just what we were hoping for when the destination park was conceived. Our local Honey Creek partners are anxious to cultivate these opportunities and grow their local economy.” Forever Outdoors is expected to draw several thousand visitors and vendors to the area for the two-day event.

Plans are continually evolving, but already there is a strong schedule of events for the outdoor fair. Kids and dogs will be featured components.

“We really want to focus on youth and those interested in learning more about the outdoors,” says Tom Fuller, Pheasants Forever’s regional representative for eastern Iowa. Forever Outdoors’ goal is to provide an opportunity to experience outdoor activities first-hand.

Kids can choose from a variety of games, crafts and activities, all related to the outdoors. Most will be hands-on including birdhouse building, outdoor survival and the popular Lazer Shot, a simulative hunting/shooting game.

Shooting sports demonstrations by top national shooters will be held in the area as well as clay target shooting events for all ages. “We will have plenty to do for the whole family, even the dog,” says John Linquist, Pheasant Forever’s western Iowa representative.

A whole host of dog-related activities are planned and owners are welcome to bring their dogs for special events, friendly competitions and one-on-one training tips from professionals at the dog owner help desk. Dock Dogs, a national dock jumping competition, will hold a regional event at Forever Outdoors. A variety of dogs will be competing to jump the farthest. “Dock Dogs is known for drawing quite a crowd,” says Linquist. “Competition-class dogs will be participating, but anyone is welcome to bring their dog to jump for fun.” For more information about Dock Dogs visit www.dockdogs.com.

In addition, a full schedule of habitat, hunting, wildlife and dog training seminars will be presented in both indoor and outdoor settings. Landowners can discuss habitat projects with biologists and other habitat specialists at the landowner help desk. More than 150 vendors representing outdoor-related business from seed sales and habitat equipment to dog supplies and gun manufacturers will be available to sell products and services, and answer questions.

The event is open to the public, and you do not need to be a Pheasant Forever member to attend. “We want Forever Outdoors to be a fun, hands-on, information-gathering experience for anyone interested in the outdoors,” says Fuller. “We couldn’t think of a better venue to do this at than the new Honey Creek Resort. With all the resort has to offer – the lodge, hotel, water park, golf course, lake, trails and surrounding areas – we are hoping people will make Forever Outdoors their fall getaway.”

Please contact Honey Creek Resort directly at 641-724-9600 to book your room reservations. Please mention the Forever Outdoors event when making your reservation. Rates are subject to availability. Reservations must be made by July 1, 2008 to qualify for the Forever Outdoors rate. Lodging accommodations can also be made at Honey Creek Resorts RV campground. This first-class facility includes 20 full-service utility hook-ups, pull-through parking and wireless internet. For more information about the event as a participant or vendor, visit www.iowapheasantsforever.org. For more information about Honey Creek Resort State Park visit www.honeycreekresort.com.

DNR CONTACT: TERRY MONTGOMERY 515-402-7413