Officials with the Miss/Lou National Wild Turkey Federation expect tonight to be one of the most important nights of the year for the local club.

That’s because the federation is holding its 10th Annual Fundraising Banquet in the Burgundy Room at the Isle of Capri Casino starting at 6 p.m.

&uot;We will get things started with happy hour at 6 p.m., and there will be a prime rib and shrimp buffet,&uot; Ken Halford of the Federation said.

The admission price for the event is $45 per person, but $25 of the price goes toward a one-year membership in the local chapter and a subscription to the bi-monthly magazine.

&uot;This is our big fundraiser for the year,&uot; Halford said. &uot;Last year we grossed $28,000, which made us the top chapter of the 50 or so in the state of Mississippi.&uot;

In addition to the food and fun at tonight’s banquet, an auction will be held for several quality items.

More than 20 wildlife prints will be auctioned along with several throw rugs and afghans with wildlife patterns.

&uot;We will also have 10 guns in the auction, including shotguns, rifles and muzzle loaders,&uot; Halford said.

Last year slightly more than 180 people showed up for the event, and Halford said he expects at least that many this time around.

&uot;I think we will have at least that many this year, because everyone always has a good time,&uot; he said. &uot;We usually sell more tickets than we have people show up for the actual event.&uot;

For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, call Yatus McGraw at 442-5593.