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Charlie Elliott hosts J.A.K.E.S. Day
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Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's Wildlife Discovery Area in Mansfield will play host the 14th annual J.A.K.E.S. Day Festival on Saturday. This fun-filled family event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is free and includes an array of activities that focus on wildlife, conservation efforts and outdoor recreational opportunities in Georgia. Children can try their hands at archery, fishing, shooting sports, go on a mini-boat ride with a WRD conservation ranger and have their faces decorated with wildlife art.

Presentations scheduled for the event include puppet shows from Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful, retriever demonstrations and live snake and bird of prey programs. Several exhibitors from wildlife-related organizations also will be on hand to give out information and goodies to those interested in expanding their outdoor horizons.

The first 300 kids will receive a free T-shirt and a free hot dog lunch (adults can eat for a nominal fee) provided by the Georgia Chapter of National Wild Turkey Foundation. For kids under 17, memberships in the NWTF's JAKES Club (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) will be available for a small fee.

Door prizes will be given away at the close of the event.
Guests also can view an indoor planetarium set up by the Charlie Elliott Chapter of the Atlanta Astronomy Club, tour the Charlie Elliott museum and visit the gift shop at the Visitor's Center. Discounts will be available for several gift gallery items, excluding hunting and fishing licenses and Charlie Elliott books.

Sponsors for the Festival include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division and the Georgia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.