While Southwest Minnesota's 10th annual Tracy Area Sportsmen's Show is bound to be well-attended at the Veteran's Memorial Center on Saturday and Sunday, the celebration will be without two of its loyal attendees, both of whom lost battles with cancer this past year.
Nationally-known wildlife artist James Meger had been a regular vendor at the show, while Bryan Hillger, who served as chief of police for 18 years in Tracy, was a long-time committee member.
Both, organizers said, will be greatly missed.
"We have a show handout that includes all the events going on, with specific locations," said Missie Erbes, Tracy Chamber of Commerce director. "We have a dedication section for Bryan Hillger, who was one of our original committee members, and for James Meger, who was a very dedicated vendor of ours."
Using the name T and K Kreations, brothers Tim and Ken Kurtz have been representing Meger's artwork. A memorial booth, Erbes said, will be set up this year, featuring Meger's work.
"We wanted to show our appreciation for his support over the last nine years," Erbes said. "James became a close friend to many of the committee members and people in our community. He had such an amazing, kind heart. We're excited to have his artwork back."
Erbes, who officially began director duties the day after the 2011 Sportsmen's Show, said that planning the event has gone well.
"The committee is absolutely wonderful," she said. "They take a lot of the legwork out of the process."
The two biggest challenges, Erbes said, were coming up with special events to commemorate the 10th anniversary and adjusting to the new schedule.
"We actually switched weekends, moving it back two weeks in hopes of having warmer, nicer weather," she said. "Because of that change, some of our faithful vendors were unable to attend. But the gymnasium is close to capacity for vendors, so we're very excited about having brand new ones."
The University of Minnesota Raptor Center will offer a program at 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday and a meet-and-greet session at 2-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
"We're excited about this," Erbes said. "People can learn all about the fascinating birds they bring, including an owl, falcon, hawk and bald eagle. That'll be a great hit, to be up close and personal with a bald eagle."
As always, seminar speakers Bill Hesselgrave, presenting on Hess Video Productions and deer processing, and Justin Lightfoot, professional guide, will be in attendance, as will the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
"Bill Hesselgrave and Justin Lightfoot have always been outstanding," Erbes said. "The Minnesota DNR question and answer seminar has always been very well attended, too. People always have great questions."
New this year is a seminar from Dakota Grills representatives.
"They'll be doing a seminar on how-to's and tips on barbecuing on any grill," Erbes said. "They'll talk about marinating, prepping and the best techniques for meats, but especially game meats."
Also back by popular demand, Erbes said, is the kids pedal tractor pull, scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, and the car, pickup and motorcycle show.
Check-in for the 6th annual vehicle show is 9 a.m. Saturday, with a rain date planned for Sunday.
Raffle tickets, $10 each, can also be purchased at the show. Erbes said that fantastic prizes would be awarded this year. A grand prize package includes a six-person hot tub, four-burner gas grill, five-piece patio dining set and a $100 meat bundle.
"Now that's a grand prize," Erbes said. "It's valued at over $6,500. Drawings are at 4 p.m. Sunday, and you don't have to be present to win."
2012 Tracy Area Sportsmen's Show
Veteran's Memorial Center, downtown Tracy
Saturday
9 a.m. Tracy Area Car Show check-in, Third Street
10 a.m. Seminar speaker: Justin Lightfoot, professional guide
10 a.m. ATV course
11 a.m. Seminar speaker: Dakota Grills, marinating and cooking demonstration
1 p.m. Seminar speaker: Bill Hesselgrave, Hess Video Productions and deer processing
2 p.m. Seminar speaker: Minnesota DNR, question and answer session
2 p.m. Kids pedal tractor pull
2-4 p.m. U of M Raptor Center, meet and greet booth
4 p.m. U of M Raptor Center, program
8 p.m. Hicktown Mafia at the Caboose, Hwy. 14
Sunday
10 a.m. U of M Raptor Center, program
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. U of M Raptor Center, meet and greet booth
1 p.m. Seminar speaker: Bill Hesselgrave, Hess Video Productions and deer processing
2 p.m. Seminar speaker: Justin Lightfoot, professional guide
4 p.m. Raffle prize drawing