The Friends of NRA brought a unique blend of safety education and family fun to Onalaska Community Days on Saturday, August 2nd, hosting an engaging youth shooting activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hands-on event drew approximately 100 participants for ages 12 and under. It was an experience that combined marksmanship, safety training, and plenty of smiles.

Each young participant was supervised by trained volunteers and given clear instruction on safe firearms handling before trying their hand at the day’s challenge: knocking over at least one cup using a double-barrel, break-action Nerf gun. While many were able to topple their targets, a few earned bragging rights for pulling off the “impossible shot” — firing both darts perfectly between the cups without knocking any over.

Upon completing the shooting activity, each participant selected a small squirt gun from the prize bin to take home as a memento. Volunteers also encouraged the kids to enter a free raffle for a chance at bigger prizes.

The raffle, drawn at exactly 2:00 p.m. by Chad, a local volunteer and active member of the community, featured three winners: first prize, a BB gun; second prize, an electronic-powered Nerf gun; and third prize, a super soaker squirt gun. Cheers and applause followed each winner’s name, capping off the day with excitement.

Organizers said the event was designed to promote shooting safety and responsibility in a fun, approachable way. “We want kids to learn the fundamentals of safe handling while having a great time,” one volunteer explained.

The Friends of NRA’s booth proved to be a popular stop for families throughout the festival, blending education, competition, and community spirit — all while leaving young marksmen with new skills, lasting memories, and perhaps a few future shooting sports competitors in the making.

In the photos attached, Coulee Region Friends of NRA President Hubert Hoffman poses for pictures with one of the winners.