The 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell gives a presentation at an Arkansas church.
Posted on
Photo: James Overstreet - Randy Howell flew into town just minutes before speaking at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark. While changing clothes he snacked on duck kabobs and homemade cornbread. Photo: James Overstreet - Howell was the featured speaker at the 10th Annual Wild Game Dinner at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Photo: James Overstreet - On the way into the dinner you could check out the new Toyota Tundraâs on display in the parking lot. Photo: James Overstreet - Toyota is the featured tow vehicle for B.A.S.S. Here it is hooked up to a Tracker boat provided by the Bass Pro Shop in Little Rock, Ark. Photo: James Overstreet - Several outdoor vendors had displays set up as the first participants in the dinner began to arrive.
Photo: James Overstreet - The local Bass Pro Shop had an entire camping scene set up. Photo: James Overstreet - The line begins to grow at the entrance to this annual event that attracts hundreds of people every year. Photo: James Overstreet - Immanuel Baptist Church is one of the largest churches in Arkansas.
Photo: James Overstreet - There was plenty of time for fellowship before the dinner started. Photo: James Overstreet - After changing into his tournament jersey, Barbara Bowman escorts Randy Howell to the hall where he will speak. Photo: James Overstreet - It took hours to prepare all the food that would be served to the large crowd in attendance.
Photo: James Overstreet - Steve âWildmanâ Wilson has been the Public Affairs Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for years. He can be seen all over the state every year talking about every subject from hunting and fishing, to hummingbirds. Photo: James Overstreet - Randy Howell with a little S.W.A.G. from last monthâs 2014 Bassmaster Classic held on Lake Hartwell. Photo: James Overstreet - The wife and daughters of Steve Bowman, Melissa Vance, Virginia Ekenseair and Barbara Bowman.
Photo: James Overstreet - Randy Howell stops to visit and have a photo taken with firefighter Tim Preator. Photo: James Overstreet - While eating dinner, everybody enjoyed the music of Hawkins Ridge. The group is made up of members Matt Kelly, Russell Hanson and Buddy Leach. Photo: James Overstreet - Itâs hard to beat the combination of good food, good music and good fellowship.
Photo: James Overstreet - Hawkins Ridge performed a medley of original songs written with outdoor and spiritual lyrics. Photo: James Overstreet - Steve âWildmanâ Wilson was doing what he does best, mingling with the outdoor loving Arkansas public. Photo: James Overstreet - Steve Bowman along with the rest of those in attendance bow their heads for grace.
Photo: James Overstreet - Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Ford Overton welcomed everybody and introduced a 10 minute video about the history and successes of the AGFC. Photo: James Overstreet - Randy Howell waits on his introduction to speak. Photo: James Overstreet - If you left the dinner hungry it was your own fault. Dinner featured dishes made with venison and wild duck.
Photo: James Overstreet - Howell was sporting his 2014 Bassmaster Classic championship ring. Photo: James Overstreet - Several great raffle items were given away. Here, Steve Bowman presents one of the lucky winners a new GoPro Hero4.Photo: James Overstreet - It was a night for both young and old to spend time together in a family environment.
Photo: James Overstreet - Steve Bowman welcomes and thanks everybody for coming to dinnerâ¦Photo: James Overstreet - â¦then stays on stage to sing with Hawkins Ridge. Bowman has helped contribute several lyrics featured in their new CD. Photo: James Overstreet - Bowmanâs wife Barbara records the singing on her smartphone.
Photo: James Overstreet - Just before taking the stage to speak, Randy Howell along with the rest of those in attendance viewed a summary video of his Bassmaster Classic championship performance from the final day on Lake Guntersville. Photo: James Overstreet - The 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion takes the stage. Photo: James Overstreet - Howell is a compelling speaker and quickly had everybody in the roomâs attention.
Photo: James Overstreet - One of the many things he spoke about was his decision to turn around and go to a bridge where he would catch the fish to win the Classic. Photo: James Overstreet - Over 800 people were in attendance. Photo: James Overstreet - He shared his story with everyone, telling them one of the best ways to live your life is as an example to others.
Photo: James Overstreet - He got emotional often, especially when he spoke of his encounters with people that were leading hopeless lives. Photo: James Overstreet - Howell said one of the greatest prizes of winning the Bassmaster Classic, was it gave him a platform to share his testimony with others. Photo: James Overstreet - Howell bowed his head during a final prayer at the end of the night.
Photo: James Overstreet - There was one more raffle item to give away, two fishing kayaks provided by Bass Pro Shops. Steve Bowman and Howell take a look at the name of the lucky winner. Photo: James Overstreet - Before leaving the church, Howell took time to speak and meet many of those that were there.