For Immediate Release - Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004
Media Contact: 740-435-3335

DEERASSIC CLASSIC TICKET ACCESS DEBUT IS MARCH 3 ONLY AT DUNNING MOTORS IN CAMBRIDGE …

CAMBRIDGE, OH - What a difference a year can make. A year ago at this time the concept of the Deerassic Classic was hardly household knowledge in Cambridge and throughout the state.

This year the demand for 10,000 tickets is so intense that a limited supply of remaining 2004 Classic tickets will be available during a Ticket Debut Ceremony on Wednesday, March 3 at Dunning Motors in Cambridge. The Route 209 business, a leading sponsor of the Classic that is scheduled this year on August 7, is the exclusive walk-in Guernsey county location where Classic tickets will be available on a first come, first served basis. Deerassic Park Education Center and National Whitetail Deer Education Foundation officials will join with tourism, business, and civic leadership to outline the exciting details of an expanded 2004 Classic event.

The 10 a.m. ceremony at Dunning Motors is open to the public.

To reward ticket purchasers from a year ago, the Whitetail Foundation provided loyal supporters first access to tickets only during the month of February. There is no public sale access until March with the March 3 Ceremony serving as the kick-off date.

Last year, all available 10,000 tickets sold out in advance of the inaugural August Classic when 11,500 people attended. Spectators from all corners of Ohio and more than 30 states participated in the festive, fund raising event designed to raise money for outdoor youth education programs and ultimately lead to construction of North America's finest shrine to the whitetail deer. The 2003 Classic attendance created an estimated $3.7 million economic impact on a multi-county region of Ohio thanks to visitors spending money on tickets, motels, camping, gas, food and other services.

"Bigger and better every year is our theme for the Classic," says Dean Ziegler, founder of Deerassic Park Education Center and the non-profit, independent National Whitetail Deer Education Foundation. "We are thankful and very pleased to see the developing local, state and even national support and awareness. The Classic has quickly turned into a huge event and on Aug. 7 we could have as many as 15,000 spectators."

Dunning Motors is the exclusive sponsor of seven new vehicles that are purchased by the NWDEF and given away at the Classic. Four-wheel drive prizes will include new vehicles from Dodge, Jeep and Chevrolet and also include a 2004 Hummer. There will be at least 201 premium prizes given away on August 7 at Deerassic Park. Only adults 18 and older are allowed to participate or attend the Classic.

"We think the rising excitement over the Deerassic Classic is a really big deal not just for Cambridge but for people in surrounding areas, too," says John Dunning, Jr., General Manager of Dunning Motors. "The Classic is good for business and the outdoor education provided for youngsters and schools all year long by the Whitetail Foundation is commendable. The fund raising support goes to a very good cause."

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