National archery tournament returns to Cullman

Cullman will once again host a national archery tournament, drawing as many as 2,000 visitors from across the country during the event.

After a one-year absence, the Archery Shooters Association will return with the McKenzie Classic, Aug. 3-6, under a three-year contract with the Cullman Parks & Recreation Department.

“We are extremely proud to be the host community for such a prestigious event! It is truly is an honor for our City to have 1,800 archery competitors, featuring some of the best archers in the world. As always, we are excited to partner with Mike Tyrell, his team and St. Bernard Abbey to put on the ASA McKenzie Classic,” Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Anderson said.

Anderson said efforts were made last year to work with ASA in securing the tournament, but time elements didn’t allow that to happen. In past years, Celebrate Cullman, a downtown merchant-sponsored event coincided with the tournament. The event is expected to return this year to provide visitors and resident alike a fun weekend with entertainment and shopping specials.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to our community for such an incredible event.” Cullman Mayor Mayor Wood Jacobs said. “It’s great to see people from all over the world staying in our hotels, shopping in our community and eating at our restaurants. Mike and his staff are great to work with, and we look forward to another three years together. “

The Parks & Recreation staff works at St. Bernard to prepare the archery lanes before the tournament. The first year the tournament was held there met with rave reviews from the participants and their families.

“We have always enjoyed a warm welcome in Cullman. The great staff at the Cullman Parks & Recreation Department always works hard to provide excellent support for our event and we truly appreciate the fine people at St. Bernard Abbey who are gracious enough to allow us the use of their facility, ASA President Mike Tyrell said. 

Tyrell said he expects 1,800 participants to arrive in Cullman, along with family members and sponsors for the competition. The public is welcome to attend the event. There will be free parking along with several local food vendors serving daily. 

More than 50 of the top archery and bowhunting manufacturers will be displaying and selling the latest equipment in the sport. The archery action is held on ranges specifically designed to allow spectators to be up-close to the action, Tyrell said. 

“They are a top-notch organization and we are happy to partner with them and St. Bernard Abbey to provide a world-class event with hometown hospitality to all the participants and their families, Parks & Recreation Board Chairman Rusty Turner said. “We love bragging on our community and this is a great opportunity to showcase Cullman. “

For more information, visit the Archery Shooters Association website at www.asaarchery.com.

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.