Armstrong Outdoor Fest draws crowds, blends live music and outdoor tradition in Cape Girardeau
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Crowds gathered Feb. 27 in Cape Girardeau as Armstrong Outdoor Fest opened for a three-day run through March 1.
Fans lined up for photos and autographs while outdoor personalities met families from across the region.
Mountain Man from “Duck Dynasty” said events like this help strengthen community ties.
“It’s really good to keep, you know, people close to each other, you know, and we might need each other in a time of crisis.”
Turtle Man, known for his appearances on “Call of the Wildman,” said he hopes visitors leave with a sense of joy and hands-on experience.
“That’s all I want to do. Get people happy, make people get out, learn how to work in the real world.”
Live music is part of the weekend lineup, with Kevin Palmer performing alongside The Traveling Radio Show and Hudson Reid. Raffle drawings are scheduled at the top of every hour Saturday, and vendor booths and a crawfish boil are set up throughout the weekend.
Beyond entertainment, guests say education remains central to the festival. Diamond Jim said teaching outdoor skills is important.
“And folks like us, we like to teach the old ways, you know, get outside, learn what plants you can eat or use for medicine, and just see the beauty of nature that God gave us.”
Swamp Man from “Swamp People” said the event allows people to learn directly from one another.
“You get to come out and you get to see what’s really in the real world. You get to come and you see what everybody has on display. You get to learn a little bit from everybody.”
Diamond Jim said the festival also brings economic activity into town.
“They love to come out and visit is great for the local economy because they’re spending money on gas and food and hotels.”
Several guests said the message ultimately encourages people to step away from technology and reconnect with the outdoors.
“In today’s world, people depend so much on technology. If the lights go out, people freak out because they don’t know what to do. Get outside, look around, see what’s out there,” Diamond Jim said.
Armstrong Outdoor Fest continues through March 1.
