Bow Fest Brings Archers and Hunters to Holly

(Sam Gurwin, Sept. 2, 2017)

Holly, MI – The world of the Tracker, the Hunter and the Outdoorsperson- this culture is alive and well! Saturday August 19th, 2017 marked the 11th Annual Bow Fest 2017. Spot Shooter Archery, an archery-based Business in Holly, has held this event for some time. “The event is Military-themed” says Store Owner & Festival Founder Jim Beasley. The feel is one of survival and the pure outdoors- getting back to one’s roots.

“It’s a Fundraiser, it’s an Event. Probably one of the biggest in the State and it keeps getting bigger. We are really excited that we can help the Veterans” said Beasley. The main purpose of this event is to raise money for the Vets & a local Children’s Charity, The Holly Area Youth Assistance.

The event focuses on a BIG SALE at the Store in Holly “Its Festive and Fun” says Jim. Bow Fest is held right outside of Spot Shooter Archery- it hooks around the side of their property which is pretty big. The crossbows and bows shined from the Vendor Booths, Veterans could be seen in one area getting ready for their 21-Gun Salute. high school kids from the Holly Bronchoes Marching Band readied their instruments. Right in the center was a Man-of-the-Cloth ready to bless the bows and crossbows of the hunter. THIS IS BOW FEST!

THE VETERANS (HOLLY VFW)
Veterans had a fundraising raffle which helped the Post itself and the Holly Area Youth Assistance Organization. They seemed very passionate about it. They had a 21-gun salute during the Marching Band performance which the Post Commander told me was to commemorate the death and burial of veterans.

DJ “WILD WILL”
The DJ was gearing up for Karaoke later! His tent was in the front of the Festival. He showed me a video of his basement. A Karaoke paradise! He is a friend of the Bow Fest Founder and does this for fun. He had all of the equipment to show the crowd a good time later!

BLESSING OF THE BOWS
Father Marvin Gerbig started blessing Bows 11 years ago at the first Bow Fest. He and his friend, Bow Fest Founder Beasley, got the idea from the Blessing of the Bikes. Father Marvin blesses the bows and prays for he safety & success of the Archer. A friendly Man, he told of several stories regarding the blessings and of other hunter’s success stories.

THE HOLLY HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND
The Band was wonderful! There were over 100 kids from HOLLY HIGH SCHOOL. The crowd was huge during their playing. A great event for both the Musicians and Guests!

VENDOR SEMINARS
Vendors from various Bow Manufacturers and more were present at the Festival. Information about the products, safety and useful trail & hunting tips were apparent in my interview of KILLER INSTINCT, a Michigan-based Crossbow manufacturer. They told me of lower to higher end Crossbows, and they are a new comer to the Market. Their products have unique add-ons like a folding foot step so one can aim better on the ground like a rifle. A great Warranty unlike any other in the industry for returns- they will take care of the problem. Period.

BOW FEST 2017 was a well organized and fun event. Jim says it gets bigger every year and one can see why. A great Outdoors Festival, learning expo and more for the Hunter in all us in Oakland County!