By Lori Brown
ROSCOE — September 24, 2010 — Hundreds of youngsters turned out for the Sullivan County Long Beards’ free JAKES Day last Saturday at the Roscoe Firemen’s Park.
A total of 355 children from ages 1 to 17 turned out on the beautiful day to join in the outdoor fun.  The event featured many vendors and activities.
“This is our biggest event ever,” Event Chairperson and Long Beards Treasurer Hank D’Auria said. “This year we are giving out 36 pellet guns, two .410 shotguns and one .22. Every kid gets a Sullivan County Long Beards backpack, as well. Also this year, 30 Extreme JAKES are going to win a chance for a Pheasant Hunt in October at Catskill Pheasantry. Also, we are offering a Youth Buck Contest this year.
“We have a lot of stations this year, more than we ever had,” D’Auria continued. “Our main event this year is Johnny Hotshot, who is a World Champion Gunslinger for 2009 and 2010 who we flew in from Arizona. We have 350 bluebird houses for the children to make.
“There is a multitude of local sponsors and we would like to thank everyone,” D’Auria added. “We are only 16 active members and the No. 1 [National Wild Turkey Federation] Chapter in New York State for four years in a row. And we are giving out one ton of turkeys for the needy for Thanksgiving this year.”
Sullivan County Long Beards President Earl “Butch” Kortright said, “Almost every part of this is sponsored and volunteered. We have an annual raffle and every penny goes towards this event. We function solely on donations and it goes right to the youth. We appreciate the support from members of the community.”
The children had the opportunity to participate in many activities during the day, including laser shoot, birdhouse making, pony rides, archery and .410 shotgun and pellet gun instruction.
Other exhibits included the Civil War Re-Enactment by the 143rd NYS Volunteer Infantry, Indian Village, raptors, trapper and taxidermy demonstrations, Ducks Unlimited demonstration, snakes and the Hotshot Gunslinger show.
Adults and kids alike enjoyed the Gunslinger, Johnny Hotshot, and his Wild West Armed & Hilarious Show. Johnny Hotshot is the 2010 Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and Wild West Performing Arts Society (WWPAS) World Champion Fancy Gun Handler. He showed off some trick and fancy gun twirls, fast and fancy target shooting, trick roping and whip cracking.
To learn more about becoming a Sullivan County Long Beards’ JAKES member, please visit the Web site www.sullivancountylongbeards.org.