Get Ready!!! The Texas Black Bass Unlimited (TBBU) Houston Gala and Conservation FishFest ’96 in Dallas are on their way. TBBU, it’s fine members, and platinum sponsors, will join together to promote a project involving the revitalization of aging Texas fisheries. The Houston Gala and Conservation FishFest ’96 fundraising will champion the cause for re-establishing native habitat in Texas waters. TBBU has targeted Lake Lewisville in north Texas and Lake Livingston east of Houston to be the two test lakes in the habitat restoration program. And to make things even better, the Army Corps of Engineers and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will match TBBU fundraising donations specific for aquatic habitat restoration. Along with funding for this very worthwhile purpose, TBBU will continue it’s commitment to youth programs and support of the Texas Freshwater Fishing Center and Fish Hatchery in Athens, Texas. The Houston Gala will take place May 4th, 1996, and host site will be the fabulous Sam Houston Race Track. Rumor has it that this will be one of the most spectacular conservation fundraising events South Texas has ever seen. May 4th is also Kentucky Derby Day, so the TBBU event should be a real show-stopper. Entertainment for the Houston Gala will feature one of country music’s very best as fellow bass fisherman Mark Chestnut takes the stage. This is one of the hottest acts in the nation and will be a guaranteed winner. In addition to the fine crooning of Mr. Chestnut, there will be a silent auction and raffle that offers the opportunity to bid on guided fishing and hunting trips, guns, art, boats, and much more. If you want to rub elbows and have your picture taken with fishing celebrities and other dignitaries… this is the place to be. Mark May 4th on your calendar and plan to attend the Houston Gala for some super fun. And don’t think that Dallas is going to take all of this Houston celebrating lying down. The 1996 edition of Conservation FishFest will once again be held at the world famous Southfork Ranch, home of the famous Ewing family of DALLAS TV fame. A silent auction and raffle will also take place at this event, and the prizes will be fabulous boats, outdoor merchandise, guided fishing and hunting trips, and much more. Entertainment for Conservation FishFest will be provided by country music legend Waylon Jennings. A *****tail reception will also allow you to meet all of the celebrities and dignitaries as you leisurely tour through the Ewing Mansion. And oh by the way…. did I mention that a host of the top touring professional bass fishermen will be on hand to give you tips and techniques to improve that upcoming fishing trip? What A Night!! Rumor has it that the Houston event will outshine the Dallas event, however, when I talked to the Dallas folks they were saying that their event would be the biggest and best ever. Only time will tell which group comes out on top, but I assure you that each of the events will be first class and something you don’t want to miss.