This fall, the Friends of Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate the third year of

refuge operation with a fundraising event of All Things Caddo Lake on October 27th.

In a short period of time, programs have been implemented to serve the general public and school

children throughout the region, including hike and bike trails, an equestrian wildlife riding trail,

birding blinds and hunting programs for adults, youth and disabled to name but a few according

to Mark Williams, Refuge Manager.

Tracking the progress from the official refuge opening in

2009, as well as the early history of the refuge, from its days as the Longhorn Army

Ammunition Plant, has been award winning photojournalist and former Marshall resident

Richard Michael Pruitt. Pruitt will premier his documentary, “Bombs to Birds”, narrated by

Texas author and performer Kinky Friedman, as part of the October 27th celebration.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a wine tasting event hosted by Under the Texas Sun in

downtown Marshall, Texas, featuring wines by Enoch’s Stomp Winery. The event is free and

open to the public. A special invitation is being extended to Marshall High School classmates of

Mr. Pruitt, as well as former employees of Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant.

Following the wine tasting, at 6:30 p.m., the documentary “Bombs to Birds” will be premiered at

the state of the art, Christian Life Center of First United Methodist Church in Marshall.

The documentary, which lasts approximately 54 minutes, will include a gallery talk by Pruitt and

Mark Williams, according to Leta Kay, coordinator for the event.

After the premier, a third Friends event, The Dragon Lake Ball, will be held at the Marshall

Visual Art Center beginning at 7:30 p.m.“ This will be a fun and zany event for the entire

community”, said Kay and we want people to let their hair down. Since the event is so close to

Halloween, costumes or camo attire is totally acceptable. We will have music, dancing, a silent

auction, nature displays and much more. Bruce Webb and Mountain Dew, a 5 piece band that

plays a little bit of just about every kind of music, including country and oldies will perform.”

Advance ticket sales and information for the event are available at the Marshall Convention and

Visitors Bureau located in downtown Marshall, 903/702-7777, the Marshall Regional Arts

Council located at the Marshall Civic Center, 903/935-4484, at the Caddo Lake National

Wildlife Refuge Office, Karnack, Texas, 903/679-9144, or at the door on October 27th.

Tickets are $35.00 per person for all events, or $20.00 per person for the Dragon Lake Ball only.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Friends of Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge for

community projects. The organization is a non- profit organization under Section 501(c) (3) of

the IRS code.