METROPOLIS, IL - Mermet Fish and Wildlife Area, just outside of Metropolis, Illinois on U.S. 45, is a popular hunting and fishing destination, but once a year it draws sportsman for one of the area’s largest tourism events in the region. But these sportsmen are focused on a different kind of animal – foam ones. That’s because they are archers who will be shooting life-size high-density foam animal targets during two archery tournaments June 26 - July 1.

The Superman Classic Archery Shoot will start off the week with competitions on June 26-28. Then the Archery Shooter’s Association (ASA) begins its Illinois Pro-Am Tournament on June 29.

ASA hosts seven tournaments throughout the year, and the Metropolis shoot is one of the largest archery competitions in the country. For several years, over 25,000 people have entered the Mermet Refuge during the event, and about 2,000 men and women have aimed their arrows for championship titles in several categories. The targets are designed to simulate a variety of hunting situations for archery enthusiasts.

Prize money is awarded for the top professional and amateur finishers each day in the warm-up event, the Superman Classic with larger prizes being offered for the three-day accumulative totals. This competition is sponsored by the City of Metropolis and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Archers will be categorized based on his or her ASA class and will only be shooting against that class. There is a one-time $20 shooters fee that will cover up to three days of shooting. Participants will shoot from 9 am - 3 pm daily with all scorecards submitted by 6 pm. All archers, amateurs and professionals, are welcome to compete in the Superman Classic. Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel will host a complimentary reception on June 30 for all participants in the Superman Classic. Prize monies will be presented to winners in each class at this reception.

On Friday, June 29, the ASA events begin with distance competitions, team shoots and other activities.  The official competition begins on Saturday, June 30 and wraps up on Sunday afternoon. Other activities, such as ASA Coaching Clinic, are scheduled to take place.

The ASA Illinois Pro/Am Championship is a true archery festival with archery and outdoor manufacturers showing their newest and latest products, special seminars and presentations, youth programs and bow hunting activities for young and old. It also features a practice range and a chance to watch and meet some of the sport’s top professionals. These events will provide bow hunters the opportunity to talk and share experience with fellow archers, learn about the newest equipment and improve shooting skills.

Spectators are a big part of the archery tournament. Some spectators even bring their binoculars for better viewing of the competition. Drinks and food are also available to all who attend the tournaments. As with all outdoor summer events, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent are recommended.

The Archery Tournament is easily found by traveling just 11 miles north of Metropolis on U.S. 45. A complete listing of events is available on www.metropolistourism.com. For more information about the archery tournaments, contact Chris McGinness at 618-524-4712. More information on other Metropolis attractions and events is available by calling Metropolis Tourism at 877-424-5025.