Friday Night's "Concert For Conservation"
A huge crowd turned out for Friday night's "Concert For Conservation." The show was the second of three at the JQH Arena on the Missouri State campus. It's been four days of sales, seminars, autograph sessions, clinics, and everything "outdoors" at Bass Pro Shops. The Springfield institution is celebrating it's 50th Anniversary with the largest fishing event in outdoor history! 250,000 persons, including myself, attended the original "Fishing Fair" in 1988. This year, twice that many are excepted to make their way through the doors of Bass Pro Shops "Granddaddy of Them All" outdoor stores.
Part of the fun and festivities are the concerts, where half of processed go to local and nation conservation efforts. Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris has been been a world leader in the effort to improve and preserve the outdoor experience for generations to come.
Friday nights concert starred Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Chris Janson, and John Anderson. The show was unique in that all four guys where on stage at the same time. Janson's band served as "house band" providing the music as each star rotated through several of each of hit their songs! Chris's son stole the show as he hopped on the mic and sang a couple songs including "Happy Birthday" to his dad who turned 36 Friday.
The concert wrapped up with Johnny Morris him self gifting the performers with very special gifts including cypress stump art with plaques thanking them for their efforts. Each artist was also awarded a new Bass Tracker boat signed by the employees of the manufacturing plant in Lebanon, Missouri.
Legendary fisherman Bill Dance made an appearance as did current the reigning "world's best tournament bass fisherman" Kevin Van Dam. The celebration continues with Hank Williams Jr. in concert Saturday night. The Bass Pro Shops "World's Fishing Fair" concludes on Sunday, April 3rd.
World's Fishing Fair Opening Ceremonies
It's underway! The 50th anniversary celebration of Bass Pro Shops and The World's Fishing Fair got started Tuesday afternoon. The Opening Ceremonies , moved up from Wednesday morning to Tuesday afternoon because of Wednesday's rainy weather, kicked off with music, dignitaries, and celebrities. Lee Greenwood brought the crowd to its feet with his tribute to America, "God Bless The USA!"
Governor Mike Parsons addressed the audience proudly proclaiming his pride for the great state of Missouri, "The home of Bass Pro Shops." Springfield's Mayor, Ken McClure encoded the Governors appreciation for Bass Pro Shops and it's founder, Johnny Morris by handing him the key to the city.
Plaques were handed out to longtime employees and partners of Bass Pro Shops and their 50 years of operation. The festivities wrapped up with a ribbon cutting and a ceremonial "First Cast" from the professional fisherman including legends, Jimmy Houston, Roland Martin, and Bill Dance.
The full schedule of fishing seminars, concerts, and exclusive events c
Continue throughout the weekend. Don't miss NASCAR legends Richard Childress, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Martin Truex Jr, Austin Dillon, and others on Thursday evening. For a complete schedule of events at the World's Fishing Fair go to BassPro.com.