TOP PHOTO: A nice crowd gathered at the Ball Farm Event Center on Saturday evening to attend the 20th annual Big Game Banquet for the Royal Blue chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Royal Blue chapter president Tommy Overton and Jack Cannon at the 20th annual Big Game Banquet for the Royal Blue chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

By Charlotte Underwood 

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The Royal Blue chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation held its 20th annual Big Game Banquet on Saturday evening at the Ball Farm Event Center.

A nice crowd gathered for the banquet, live and silent auction and raffles, which included fire arms, knives, sports packages and more.

Gail Stanley and Campbell County Mayor Jack Lynch were among Saturday evening’s attendees.

The yearly event raises funds for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which in turn invests in Elk conservation projects in Campbell County, such as the recent rebuild of the Elk Viewing Tower in High Knob. Funds raised at the event also help provide Elk habit and food plots in Campbell County, which also benefits deer and turkey, among other wildlife, according to Royal Blue chapter president Tommy Overton. 

Overton said it was “thanks to organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Campbell Outdoor Recreation Association and many other organizations and concerned individuals” that Elk once again roam East Tennessee as they did 150 years ago. 

Jane and Terry Lewis at last month’s Elk Tower dedication.

Overton said the Royal Blue chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was “especially blessed to be the home chapter of three RMEF Chairman’s Award winners; Jerry Stout, along with Jane and Terry Lewis.”

According to Overton, this award is the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s highest volunteer award and Royal Blue chapter is the only chapter in REMF with three winners. 

Longtime Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation member Bill Stanley sells raffle cards at the 20th Royal Blue chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation annual Big Game Banquet.

Two of those, Terry and Jane Lewis were recently honored by having the new Elk Viewing Tower named after them.

Overton said he wanted to say a big thank you to all who helped with event and attended, as well as to the committee, along with a special thanks to Billy and Jamie Ball. 

Bailey Ball (right) grins as she helps Bill Stanley at Saturday evening’s big event.

“We just want to say thanks to all who participated and we hope for the chapter and the event to grow each year, ” Overton said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/12/2022-6AM)

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