It’s been 70 years since a few South Whidbey guys who liked to hunt and fish picked up the rods and shotguns and started a club.

This Saturday, between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club will celebrate its 70th year. What first began in 1932 as a monthly social evening for a few resort owners who also happened to be hunting enthusiasts is a now a 750-member organization.

On Saturday, the Brooks Hill Road club is open to the public, including families with children, for a number of events honoring the club’s anniversary.

From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., the celebration includes shotgun trap shooting demonstrations. Other events include skeet shooting, doubles and continental competitions.

“It should be a lot of fun,” said Sally Berry, the club’s president.. “As with all our activities, we planned things for every interest, from our social members to those who are true shooting enthusiasts.”

Celebrants will also have the chance to win door prizes and view historic photo albums from the club’s colorful past.

After those early days in the 1930s the new club outgrew its first venue and moved to Bayview Hall. In 1956, the club built at its current, 63-acre site on Brooks Hill Road.

For more information about the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club or its anniversary program on Saturday, May 25, call 221-4241.