It could be that the hundreds of anglers and hunters showed up just to win one of the fantastic prize giveaways or just to grab a quick meal provided by Chick-fil-A, but I highly doubt it.  The event, Bucks & Boats 2010, put on by the Men’s Ministry of First Baptist Church Bentonville brings sons, fathers, grandfathers, daughters, mothers, and even grandmothers together to share more than just a meal, but fellowship with other outdoor enthusiasts.  The guest speakers were fishing legend Hank Parker and singing, song writer Russ Lee.  It’s was an awe-inspiring event where everyone who attended left a winner and touched in some way by the event and speakers.

Bucks and Boats 2010 is a take-off of the Meet the Pros Night event that the Men’s Ministry of FBC Bentonville (www.fbcbentonville.org) sponsored; unfortunately, that event was moved up to Branson, Missouri, without the FLW Tour being held on Beaver Lake on 2010.  As fate would have it and some diligent work by the Men’s Ministry of First Baptist Church Bentonville it all came together in the inaugural Bucks & Boats 2010.  Of course, all of it, would not have been possible without the gracious sponsors that donated time and prize giveaways including a Tracker Marine Pro Team 170 TX fishing boat and Mercury Marine Outboard, a Bad Boy Buggy, ATV, hunting trips (estimated value at $3,000-$5,000) including one from the famous Legends Ranch, GPS, guided fishing trips, fish finders, trolling motor, rod/reel combos, and a vast number of other door prizes. 

The first guest speaker was Russ Lee who started the event off by singing You Can’t Keep a Good Man Down.  Lee is a Christian recording artist, Dove awarded-nominee and honored songwriter with five top hits.  After rocking the house, the John Q. Hammons Center, Lee went on to explain in his own southern humorous demeanor about his colorful background with drugs, partying, and an unstable family situation.  His life was going nowhere fast and he was leading a miserable life.  That’s when after one night of partying a friend came by and invited him to church.  Going to that service changed his life forever; Lee opened his heart to God and gave his life to the Lord.  Lee explained that his attitude changed after that day and his life had a positive purpose. 

After Lee, fishing great Hank Parker was up next to speak.  Hank Parker is renowned for his national syndicated fishing show Hank Parker’s Outdoor Magazine and winning both the 1979 and 1989 Bassmaster Classic Championship.  Parker started off with some humorous stories about his TV show and kids.  What most anglers do not know is Parker’s deep-seeded faith in God and his challenging childhood.  Early in Parker’s life everything was good.  He lived with his mother, father, and siblings.  That all changed when his father became an alcoholic and his mother had left them.  Growing up in that environment was difficult but that changed when his father turned his life over to the Lord when Parker was in his teens.  From that point forward his father tried to save Parker and would quote him scriptures and ask questions like, “Hank, where are you going to spend eternity?”  Even in the boat out fishing his father would question young Hank about his future.  “I denied the Lord; I only wanted to be a professional bass angler; I did not want to be saved,” explained Parker.  However, that all changed at his father funeral when Hank accepted Jesus Christ into his life.  “It fulfilled a great emptiness in my heart,” said Parker.  “My dad went from being the best dad, to the worst dad, to the best dad,” Parker continued, “he told me about Jesus and made the difference in my life.”

After the testimonies, it was time for the prize giveaways.  The drawing was divided into age brackets so both youth and adults had an opportunity to win.  Names were drawn and at least a hundred prizes given out.  The final grand prize was a Tracker Marine Pro Team 170 TX that was won by Carl Cotrill of Rogers, Arkansas.  So many prizes, so much fun and fellowship made the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers, Arkansas, the only place to be.