The Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen is gearing up for the Harry Probst Annual Memorial Sportsmen’s Banquet, set to take place on Monday at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. The event, which kicks off with dinner at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5), aims to raise funds for the organization’s Youth Lifetime Sporting Licenses and celebrate the outdoors community of sportsmen.
Attendees can look forward to a public raffle featuring a variety of prizes, including fishing, hunting, and hiking gear, charter Lake Erie fishing trips, and guided steelhead fishing trips on local Lake Erie tributaries. One of the top items up for grabs is a painting/mural of a duck/dog hunt donated by the family of the late Jim Farrell, with special thanks from the federation.
President Zen Olow highlighted that various federation conservation organizations will present recognition awards at the banquet, including the Hanover Rod & Gun Club, Falconer Rod & Gun, and Westfield Fish & Game, among others. Notable figures expected to attend the event include NYS Assemblyman Andy Goddell, NYS Senator George Borello, and Chautauqua County Executive P. J. Wendell.
The event will also pay tribute to the late Monte Kennedy, a beloved figure in the community who dedicated his time to a fishing initiative for children called “Kids-On-The-Fly.” Kennedy’s contributions will be remembered and honored during the banquet.
In addition to the banquet, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club will host a Spring-Fest on April 28, featuring a raffle/drawing and music from the “Black Widow.” The following day, on April 29, the Chautauqua County Federation of Sportsmen’s annual banquet will take place, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. The event promises to be a celebration of the sportsmen community and a tribute to those who have made significant contributions to conservation efforts.