36th Annual Wildlife Extravaganza set for July 28-30

The Mississippi Wildlife Federation is hosting the 36th Annual Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza, Mississippi’s oldest and most recognized outdoor show, July 28-30 at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl. This year’s event will host even more exhibitors, attendees, children’s activities, and entertainment.
Extravaganza Director Robin Carlin said, “We cannot wait to share with Mississippians the biggest and best Wildlife Extravaganza yet. We’re confident that we have the best vendors, entertainers, demonstrations, and exhibits in the hunting and fishing industry to help Mississippians kick off this year’s hunting season in a wonderful family-friendly and safe environment. This year’s Ganza is shaping up to be one of the best of all time, as we have a few surprises up our sleeve that you will not want to miss. Please don’t be confused with the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, taking place in downtown Jackson at the Trade Mart the same weekend. There’s only one Ganza.”
The Extravaganza will play host to many historic crowd-favorite exhibitions, demonstrations, and contests such as the ever-popular Magnolia Records and Big Buck contest, Jason Reynolds’ famous high-flying retrievers, kid’s handgrabbin’ catfish tanks, youth BB gun and archery ranges, kayaking fishing demonstrations, hunting dog demonstrations, outdoor hunting and fishing seminars, and much more. MWF is bringing back some of the biggest names in the hunting, fishing, and outdoors entertainment world, like stars from the History Channel’s “Swamp People”, Heather Smith from the Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid”, Bubba Buck, HALO Hunting, Eddie from the Holler, Real South Hunting, Small Town Hunting TV, and more.
On Friday, July 28, the City of Pearl is sponsoring a free after party with performances by country music stars Jeff Bates and Daniel Houze outside on the Clyde Muse Center back lawn.
The show will include a dining hall with grab-and-go, as well as sit-down dining options, with a host of area restaurants, so that guests can enjoy some of the best local vittles in town, and a bar/lounge area for adults to enjoy a cold beer or alcoholic beverage.
MWF’s Magnolia Records program is the state’s only official deer records program, and a buck taken from any year may be entered for scoring. However, the buck must have been taken last season to be entered into the Big Buck contest to win cash, gift cards, and other prizes. All entrants into Magnolia Records and the Big Buck contest will receive free entry to the Ganza. Details about scoring categories, requirements, and entry times can be found online at www.facebook.com/mswildlife.
Show hours are noon to 7 p.m., Friday, July 28; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, July 29; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 30.
Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $6 for kids, and free for kids five and under. July 28 is Kid’s Day, where kids 12 years old and under get in free. Tickets may be purchased online to avoid long lines at the door.