One local organization has made equal strides toward protecting not only the local flora and fauna, but also our Southern way of life.

The Camellia Longbeards will be hosting the second annual Hunting Heritage Banquet on March 22 at the Butler County Fairgrounds.

As a chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Longbeards have long been dedicated to the conservation and preservation of wildlife in the state of Alabama through means such as the Forever Wild program.  But next month’s cause extends far beyond that.

Camellia Longbeards chapter member Todd Campbell said that the chapter is equally dedicated to preserving hunting and other outdoor activities as a way of life.

“The banquet is for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and hunting,” Campbell said.

Single ticket prices are $55, while a couple’s tickets cost $75.  Proceeds generated from ticket sales will also help fund scholarships given out locally and throughout the state as well as several youth outreach programs.

The banquet also includes a raffle giveaway, including everything from prints to furniture and even a dove hunting excursion to Argentina.

The evening’s meal is being catered by The Tin Top Restaurant and Oyster Bar out of Bon Secour, Ala.  After the banquet will be a concert by country music star Ashton Shepherd.  The ticket price covers the meal as well as the concert afterward.

Tickets can be purchased at Quality Cooperative, Greenville Storage and Southern Sand and Gravel, or by calling Todd Campbell at (334) 312-1287.