Frank Addington, Jr. News Letter

SEEING IS BELIEVING!

July 2007

STRAIGHT SHOT

with Frank Addington, Jr.

The "Aspirin Buster---bow & arrow razzle dazzle"

Bow & Arrow Razzle Dazzle to Bass Pro Shop's Fall Classic

(Macon, GA) There's a lot that can be written about my first performance at a Bass Pro Shop Fall Classic. First of all there's the "wow" factor one gets walking into a Bass Pro Shop for the first time. One thing is for sure, founder John L. Morris has had a unique vision for his stores. It is one part a step back in time with the decor and vintage photos and a step into the future with the latest, greatest gear for the outdoors. Like I said, it's a "wow" factor. Every sportsman's dream. I loved the front entrance and spent some time hanging out on the huge leather sofa. It was a great place to kick back between shows and catch your breath.

The fireplace there reminded me of so many campfires I have sat around. I've always said there are more deer harvested at a campfire than anywhere due to all the tall tales that get exchanged there. I looked around and saw lots of great photos and displays in the front of this store.

The attention to detail caught my eye all weekend. From the big game logos on the restroom door handles to the detail in the wildlife displays no stone is left unturned. It is plain to see that these stores were designed to make you feel right at home and get you excited about the great outdoors at the same time. Clearly they have something for everything.

Haley Heath, promotional manager at the Macon store and I had put my appearance together on very short notice. However thanks to Haley's contacts we did a media interview with a well known local outdoor writer that appeared in the local Macon newspaper that came out Sunday. Thanks to his article and help getting word out Sunday's show was packed.

The other shows went well too. My show Friday night was on stage in the Tracker display area of the store. The stage was set up and the Premier members gathered around to watch the "bow & arrow razzle dazzle." Thanks to Lisa's help as my assistant the first show went great. Afterwards I signed autographs and answered questions. I met one 12 year old boy & his father who asked me to go over to the archery department with them and look at a bow for the young man.

This made Friday's show for me. To watch as the guys in the archery department set up a bow for him to try was great. As they were getting it ready I glanced up and saw a vintage photo of Fred Bear from his beloved Grousehaven hunting camp and I grinned. I knew Fred and I knew that he'd love seeing this young man try archery for the first time.

Saturday's three shows went well too. At one show Haley used my digital camera to capture the three baby aspirin shot everyone talks about. During an afternoon show I saw a young man named Jacob who was eight year's old. He also wanted to meet me over at the archery department with his dad. After Jacob tried a few bows his dad looked at me and said, "Think they have a bow that I could try?"

Now I know Fred would have been grinning at this site! The father told me he had leased some hunting land near their home and they had just moved into the area. He was looking for things he and Jacob could do together on the land.

This was a win-win situation. Not only did this young man find a lifetime sport he could share with his father, but more than likely they will become loyal Bass Pro Shop customers. I was impressed with the young man in the archery department taking so much time to help this father and son out.

Since sometimes the audience has trouble seeing the three baby aspirin shot, I had Lisa toss one single baby aspirin into mid air. It took a few attempts but the audience couldn't miss the arrow colliding with the pill! There was nothing left after the show, the baby aspirin had went into powder!

G.O. Heath, Frank and Haley Heath at the Macon store

I met some great folks this weekend and appreciate Haley and her husband G.O. taking such good care of me. Cassie and Lisa also were also a huge help. I was glad the 2007 "HAVE BOW WILL TRAVEL" tour got to display some "bow & arrow razzle dazzle" at the Macon, GA Bass Pro Shop. Hats off to the fine folks at the Macon store - I hope to get back there again someday.

Until next time---shoot straight & God Bless,

Frank Addington, Jr.