Jan Schultz | The Imperial Republican Ducks Unlimited banquet coordinator Jason Speck holds one of the prints to be auction on Saturday. This one is a painting print by Armando Villarreal of Imperial.

    The Frenchman Valley Ducks Unlimited Chapter will hold its annual banquet this Saturday at the Imperial City Gym, opening with a social hour at 6 p.m.     Ducks Unlimited is an American non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife and people.  It’s had a membership of about 700,000 since 2013.     The evening’s activities and events include live and silent auctions, numerous games, an open bar for beer, cash bar for spirited beverages and a dinner.       The live auction has about 30 items to be sold, and the silent auction will feature about 20, said banquet coordinator Jason Speck.     Auction items include wildlife pictures, paintings, art prints, a writing desk, office chair, lighted signs, watches and a cooker stove.       There will also be two Lifetime Youth Hunting Permits for youths up to age 15 given away that night.     The evening will also feature games for adults and kids including Plinko Drop Disk, knock down numbers, card games of high-low, bag toss and corn hole.     The dinner consists of a beef prime rib sandwich with potatoes and vegetable.     Speck expects between 120 and 140 attendees at Saturday’s event.       Ticket prices are $40 for a single and $70 for couples that can be purchased at the door or by contacting him beforehand at 308-882-6943.     Funds raised will be earmarked for national duck habitat development.

Click here to read Imperial Republican