Springfield, Missouri, home of the “Grandaddy of all Outdoor Stores,” was put on full display as people from across the nation came to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bass Pro Shops at the World’s Fishing Fair. Guests traveled to the Ozarks from 47 states and Canada to attend, and BPS founder Johnny Morris presented a donation of $1.5 million to benefit conservation during the Hank Williams Jr. concert, representing 100 percent of all ticket sales to the World’s Fishing Fair and Concerts for Conservation.
“I have never felt more proud of our Bass Pro team, our vendors, and our conservation partners,” Morris said. “Thanks to this collective effort, and with the support of our generous customers and the City of Springfield, we are able to make this donation that will help further crucial conservation efforts for years to come. The fact that we were able to host this event and make this donation to help celebrate our 50th anniversary right here in Springfield makes us very proud and very happy!”
The World’s Fishing Fair honored fishing’s past legends while celebrating the present and future generations of fishing enthusiasts to come. Legends of the sport such as Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Morris and Rick Clunn were joined by some of today’s top bass fishing pros, including Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Skeet Reese and others.
