The Cedar River Longbeards Mower County chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold their annual banquet this Saturday at the Austin Holiday Inn.

“This is our 16th annual banquet with the proceeds used to purchase and restore habitat providing more opportunities for more hunters,” said Doug Bergemann, a volunteer committee member.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the meal begins at 7. Single tickets, which include an annual membership and the dinner, are $50. Couples tickets are available for $75. Or, sponsor tickets are available for $300 and include an annual membership, $200 in raffle tickets, two dinners, two special gifts and a chance to win a gun.

Advance tickets are available through Bergemann at DBergemann@

farmersnational.com, 507-434-7985, or 507-420-8328. Walk-ins are subject to availability of food and space.

Proceeds go toward education and funding of scholarships, including donations to the Archery in the Schools Program, 4-H shooting sports, and annual youth (JAKES) events, including a fun day at the Cedar Valley Conservation club and a turkey calling contest during the Mower County Fair. The Mower County Chapter was the first in Minnesota to offer the Dream Hunt for critically ill or handicapped children, Bergemann said. That event, the third annual, will be held during the first weekend of May this year.