The 29th annual Rotary Gun Show will have a new feel this year as it joins the Wild Hog Festival for the first time, this coming Friday and Saturday, Oct.12-13.

The gun show will be held inside the Choctaw Event Center, where close to 75 vendors as well as food concessions will be available. Meanwhile, outside next to the Event Center there will be three major events over two days: “Blues, Beans & Brew” will be held at 5 p.m. Friday; a fish fry is set for 11 a.m. Saturday; and the Wild Hog Fest cook-off competition wraps things up starting at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Rotary Club of Durant has held the gun show in November at Bryan County fairgrounds for nearly three decades, so this year’s change of time and venue is seen as an opportunity to reach more outdoor enthusiasts before the various shooting seasons arrive.

Another big change: There is no entry fee. Visitors will be able to peruse the gun, knife, ammunition, hunting and fishing supply vendors free of charge at Choctaw Event Center. The Rotary Club is appreciative of Durant Chamber of Commerce for inviting the gun show to be a part of Wild Hog Days.

“Rotary takes the proceeds of the gun show and gives to Southeastern scholarships, the third grade Dictionary Project, and support of local community and children’s causes,” said Rotary Past President Greg Phillips. For example, the Durant club recently presented a $1,000 donation to the local Boys & Girls Club.

A partial list of highlights from the third annual Wild Hog Festival, which will be held Friday and Saturday:

FRIDAY

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Rotary Gun Show at Choctaw Event Center (CEC).

4-8 p.m. - Lake Texoma Red River Battle Striper Tournament, with weigh-in at 9 p.m. at CEC.

5-8 p.m. - Blues, Beans & Brew bean cookoff competition. Sample plates $5.

5-9 p.m. - Maylee Thomas Band in concert.

SATURDAY

8 a.m.-Noon - 4th annual Cruisin for the Cure Classic Car Show.

9-11:30 a.m. - Three Valley Riders Motorcycle Show. Bike entry $5.

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Rotary Gun Show at CEC.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. - Durant Chamber of Commerce fish fry, with fish supplied by the Striper tourney. Plates $5.

1-5 p.m. - “Katt Daddy” Don Brewer will make a special appearance.

2 p.m. - Cutest Camo Kids contest sponsored by Southeastern Pediatrics.

5-8 p.m. - Wild Hog Fest cookoff competition. Sample plates $10.

5-9 p.m. - Chris Watson Band in concert.

For more information about the Gun Show or the Wild Hog Festival, visit www.wildhogdays.com.