|
The 29th Annual Buckmasters Expo, held in Montgomery, Ala., from August 16-18, 2024, was a true celebration of the outdoors, offering fun for the entire family over the three-day event. Presented by Mountain Dew, the Expo drew more than 23,000 attendees who shopped and enjoyed a wide array of events and entertainment. “The overall theme of the Expo is hunting, but there are activities for the whole family,” said Buckmasters Founder, Jackie Bushman.
This year’s Expo featured more than 325 exhibitor booths, showcasing new and innovative hunting gear, as well as delicious delicacies offered by various vendors. In addition to product offerings, the Expo was packed with entertainment for all ages, including:
Appearances by Robert Arrington & family of “Deer Meat for Dinner;” Lee Ellis, Drew Carroll, and Kendall Golightly of “Seek One;” and the Bama Grill Master, Tim Van Doren.
A host of Buckmasters influencers were also on hand all weekend, including Marina Childress, Aubrey Schreiber, Jason Mountin, Jonah Hyatt, Garrett Heikes, Renee Flatland, Glorianne Boyd, Ryan Boyd, and Alyssa Hall.
Several of the Buckmasters influencers took the opportunity of being in town for the Expo to enjoy the Montgomery Whitewater Park. Cody Hall of Buckmasters said “we all had so much fun rafting together. It was a team-building experience and very challenging, but we laughed and had a ball.” You can check out some of the fun on deermeatfordinner/YouTube.
Another key component of the Expo was the high-energy Bulls & Buckmasters rodeo featuring professional bull riders from across the country. This event was held in the parking lot across from the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. Sponsors included the U.S. Army, Jim Beam, SCI, The Alabama Department of Agriculture, Alfa, Gulf States Distributors, Sunsouth, Mid-State Stockyards, Jack Ingram Motors, Jettison Environmental, Pike Road Golf Cart, Sig Sauer, and Wind Creek Casino & Hotel. The Bulls & Buckmasters event always draws an enthusiastic crowd!
Thanks to the support of Buckmasters’ national and local sponsors, admission to the Expo was just a can of food or a $1 donation, split between Friendship Mission and The Salvation Army. Tara Davis, Executive Director of Friendship Mission, reported receiving over 10,000 pounds of goods to benefit both organizations. Donations from the Expo are crucial in helping these organizations support so many people. Tara reported over 100,000 meals will be generated from the donations.
“Even with the great exhibitors, show attractions and our hard work, we couldn’t pull off this event without the support of Governor Kay Ivey and the State of Alabama, Mayor Steven Reed and the City of Montgomery, The Montgomery City Council, The Montgomery County Commission, and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce,” Bushman said.
National sponsors included ACES, Barnett Crossbows, Bear & Son Cutlery, Easton, Farmers Insurance, Federal Premium Ammunition, Gamo Outdoor USA, Hunter Safety System, Millennium Treestands, Realtree, Safari Club International, Sig Sauer, Spypoint, The Firminator, Wildlife Research Center, and Yamaha Outdoors.
Local sponsors included Alabama Ag Credit, Alabama Power, Buffalo Rock and Mountain Dew, Capitol Tractor, Riverside Chevrolet, Tractor & Equipment Company, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel – Montgomery, and The U.S. Army.
The 2025 Expo is scheduled for August 15-17. Exhibitors interested in participating can contact ShelLee Swain at 334-387-2635 or sswain@buckmasters.com.