July 15, 2020
Randy Zellers Assistant Chief of Communications
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation announced last Thursday the annual Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet, scheduled for August 29 in Little Rock, would not be held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s inductees and award recipients will be moved to 2021.
“The Foundation Board of Directors made the tough, but correct decision this afternoon,” said Deke Whitbeck, AGFF president. “As much as we wanted to honor our inductees and award winners in this, the banquet’s 29th year, the health and safety of all involved is our first priority. The board wisely chose to err on the side of caution.”
The annual event celebrates conservation in Arkansas, honoring those who have devoted their time, energy and passion helping shape the future of Arkansas’s outdoors for generations to come.
Proceeds from the event support the year-round work of the Foundation, which helps introduce hundreds of people to the outdoors every year. AGFF’s mission supports Arkansas Game and Fish Commission initiatives, particularly those aimed at getting young people unplugged and engaged in Arkansas’s outdoors.
“So many people look forward to the banquet as it is not only a time for fellowship, celebrating the accomplishments of our incredible inductees, but also an indicator that our fall hunting season is around the corner,” Whitbeck said. “We look forward to celebrating with one and all in 2021.”
In the meantime, plans are in the works for the Outdoor Hall of Fame Campaign complete with a “super silent” online auction to include the latest hunting and fishing tackle, gear, boats, ATVs, hunting trips, experience packages, and more.
“We are going to get creative as a board and give it our best effort to raise funds in lieu of a physical event,” Whitbeck said. “The outdoors is our lifeblood as Arkansans, and we are so grateful to have such a passionate donor base helping fund our mission, supporting the work of the men and women of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.”
To learn more about the Outdoor Hall of Fame Campaign visit www.agff.org or call the AGFF office at 501-223-6468. The online auction is available to all by simply texting the word “Fish” to 243-725.