Wallkill, New York - The weather held out, the chicken was delicious, and, most importantly, the people who attended the New York State Rifle Pistol Association’s Annual Meeting enjoyed themselves and learned about the programs of the Association.

Above, a farm just near the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club. NRAblog would like to thank everyone for their hospitality and help, especially NYSRPA President Tom King and Vice President Joseph DeBergalis Jr.; Ray Carney; Butch Freer; "Chicken Willy" Bill Cardone; Scott Emslie; and George Rogero.

To stay up-to-date with the activities of the New York Association, visit their blog. NRAblog plans to post two special features later this week on two exciting programs of the NYSRPA: their 50 caliber competition and their junior air rifle team.

Just as Cam Edwards of NRA News pledged to return to the Association's 2010 Annual Meeting, NRAblog hopes to make the trip as well.

Wallkill, New York - The chicken bake was one of many highlights of yesterday's 2009 Annual Meeting for the members of the New York State Rifle Pistol Association. Hosted by the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club, the event saw more than 600 people.

And none of them went hungry, thanks to Chicken Willie, also known as Bill Cardone. Cardone is pictured above in the red apron mixing  the secret seasoning for the 300 chickens his staff of volunteers grilled yesterday. After NRAblog helped with the quality control process, we asked if Cardone ever considered catering events. (NRAblog loves a good party.) Cardone said it would be a bit of a stretch: "Then we'd have to charge people money," he said. "I don't quite know how to do that."

Our hats are off to the entire chicken crew.

Wallkill, New York - Ducks Unlimited's Ted Haines took a minute to tell NRAblog about his experience at the 2009 New York State Rifle Pistol Association's Annual Meeting. As a District Chairman for Ducks Unlimited, Haines covers several counties in New York. Haines said this marks the third year DU has participated in New York's Annual Meeting.

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Thanks to everyone for reading NRAblog's coverage of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association's 2009 Annual Meeting yesterday.

NRAblog is busy working on a variety of follow-up articles from the event. We're also headed back to Virginia. (The above photo was snapped on our way in Friday evening, but we wanted to share it with you.)

Check back often for additional NYSRPA coverage. If you'd like to report from an event similar to yesterday's, drop us a line at GOblog@nrahq.org.

Wallkill, New York - NRA News' own Cam Edwards was on hand Saturday to tell the attendees of the 2009 Annual Members Meeting of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association about some changes to NRA News. Above, Edwards (right) motions to NYSRPA President Tom King.

"If you only get the chance to check NRAnews.com once a week, you won't miss anything," Edwards assured the audience. "We have a robust archive. The entire idea is to make sure the information doesn't get lost."

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This year, it was Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, pictured at right accepting the award. A retired state trooper from Liberty, New York, Schiff was elected Sheriff in 2005.

Tom King presented Schiff with the award a few moments ago during the NYSRPA Annual Members Meeting, and King seemed surprised that Schiff didn't know he had been chosen. "You really didn't know?" he asked Schiff as he handed him the plaque.

"Holy cow!" the surprised Schiff responded. "New York is a big state! I would have been happy with Sullivan County."

Schiff thanked the audience and said he is proud to work for the people of New York.

Schmeits stressed that the members of the audience and the New York State Association had a lot of which to be proud. "Everyone deserves a pat on the back," he said.

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Wallkill, New York - New York State Rifle Pistol Association President Tom King says to stand by--the 2009 Annual Members Meeting will be beginning shortly.

If you haven't had the chance, get in line to purchase your chicken dinner! The line (pictured above) is beginning to wind down. As soon as people are seated under the pavilions the meeting will commence.

Wallkill, New York - The scene above is not quite the scene currently. The tables (photographed around 9 a.m. this morning, above) are filling with people eager to get their fill of barbequed chicken.

The dinner is organized by the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club every year. New York State Rifle and Pistol Association President Tom King told NRAblog that he expects more than 600 people to eat today.

"The guys do this because they enjoy it," the wife of one of the volunteers manning the firepit told NRAblog. "They don't want the ladies to help. It's their time."Stay tuned for more photos of the event as well as live coverage of NRA President Ron Schmeits' keynote address.

Check out our exclusive NRAblog slideshow of the chicken preparation process.