By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Which great event do kids rank right up there with Christmas and their birthday?

According to Kent Hensley, Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, it’s the annual Youth Outdoor Festival in Hays.

This is the 17th year for the free event which will be held Saturday, August 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Hays City Sportsman’s Club just north of I-70, Exit 157.

“Last year we had about 300 kids plus their parents. Along with all the volunteers, there were 500-600 people out here,” recalled Hensley.

“It’s probably the largest youth shooting event in Kansas right now and it’s all free, including lunch:”

Among the many qualified safety supervisors overseeing the youth, will be members of the national champion Fort Hays State University Shooting Team.

The Youth Outdoor Festival is open to all youth, age 17 and younger, who must be accompanied by an adult.

Event activities include trap shooting, skeet shooting, archery, air rifle/BB gun, muzzleloader, small bore rifle, computerized laser shot target shooting, BASS casting competition, paintball target shooting, crossbow, and furharvesting demonstrations.

Registration is available on-site Saturday.