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The Edge Magazine is a lifestyles and culture magazine about the Uintah Basin. We are located in the North-East corner of Utah and we have a TON of fun doing what we do. We feature the positive aspects of the area in which we live with monthly articles, contests, and best of all...PHOTOGRAPHY! We pride ourselves on being able to provide most everyone in your family something that will interest them in the pages of our magazine. We are in our 3rd year of publication and each month keeps getting better and better! We live here, we work here, we love being here and we look forward to seeing you on THE EDGE!

Friday, June 4, 2010

PULL! - June 2010


By: Jennifer Oleen-Rook
Destination: Vernal, Utah.


Purpose: Uintah Basin Trapshooting Tournament


High Points: Awesome shoot, Big Prize Money, Nice Trophies, Good Food


Bonus: GREAT People, Amazing Tourism Opportunities, Fun Recreational Opportunities, Wonderful Memories


    They come from more than 25 different states and two different countries. They flock to Vernal each year to shoot in the 3rd largest Amateur trapshooting competition in the United States, but to the folks who make it to the Vernal shoot every year it's more than just another competition. What keeps them coming back each year? The recreational opportunities available in the Vernal area, the people and businesses of Vernal and the success of the shoot itself. When it comes to putting on a major event, Vernal does not disappoint.
    More than 1,500 people are expected to roll into town this month for the 32nd Annual Uintah Basin Trapshooting Tournament. The four day shoot takes place June 15th – 18th and draws many of the top shooters on the ATA (Amateur Trapshooting Association) circuit. The shooters normally stay in town for a week, giving them ample time to practice but also to enjoy all the recreational opportunities Vernal has to offer.
    Vernal Rod & Gun Club spokesperson, Stacy Hawley, says without the support of the community the shoot would not be the success it is. "We give out really nice trophies and we have a lot bigger purses and prize money. A lot of it is donated by local business owners and private citizens who love shooting and love to put this event on for the community. We estimate it brings in more than $2.9 million annually to Vernal City. You don't have this big of a draw without putting something into it first though and the people of Vernal, Utah really step up."
    The tournament begins on Thursday, but there are shooting events held all week long and other bonus rounds and shoots sponsored by key Vernal residents and trapshooting enthusiasts. Shoot organizers know how to put on one heck of a party too. They host three dinners during the event and live entertainment is provided by shoot sponsors on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. John Anderson will be a swingin' on stage Friday night alongside upcoming country artist Gwen Sebastian. The Kahuna Beach Boys will return to Vernal for another onstage party Thursday night."

    Champion Trap shooter and 17 Time All American team member, Ricky Marshall, says he never misses the tournament in Vernal and enjoys the camaraderie. "These guys here know how to throw a party." the champion beams. "I always have a great time when I come here. The people around here are awesome, the shooting is awesome, and I never leave disappointed. I'm always excited for the next year when I leave. That's what keeps me coming back."
    Other shooters say they enjoy all the area has to offer in the way of tourism, restaurants, hotels and recreational opportunities. One shooter also enjoys the beauty of the area. "Vernal is a beautiful city. Those flowers all up and down Main Street are stunning and you just don't find scenery this pretty everywhere." These folks are serious when it's game on, but when it comes time to relax, unwind and have some fun, the city of Vernal and the organizers at the Vernal Rod & Gun Club meet those needs perfectly and keeps 'em coming back year after year.
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