VIDALIA — More than one thousand people turned out Thursday evening for the 12th Annual Highland Wildlife Expo at the Vidalia Convention Center to learn about the latest hunting equipment, enjoy some food and visit with friends and family.

“I came out to see everybody and hope to see J.J. Jasper,” said Johnny Valentine of Vidalia, who was a the event.

J.J. Jasper is an evangelist, wildlife photographer, singer and songwriter who was the main speaker at Thursday’s event.

Promoter Bruce McCall said he was pleased with the turn out of the event he has hosted for the past 12 years.

“We got between 1,100 and 1,200 last year and it looks like we’ll have that tonight,” McCall said.

Vendors offered free food, including jambalaya and cupcakes, and representatives from the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks were on hand to give hunting safety tips and to educate hunters on bag limits and seasons for various game.

Vendors displayed a range of products and items including the latest guns and hunting equipment such as scopes and vendors also were on hand promoting political candidates.

“I’ve been here every year,” said Dwayne Thompson. “I came to get an education for hunting season and get food.”

Dan Merrill of Vidalia said he brought his family out for the fun and to, “See everything going on.”