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PBC reporter honored for festival volunteering

PBC reporter honored  for festival volunteering
Eplunus Colvin, center, has been named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest and the Wings Over the Prairie Festival. Pictured at left is Bethany Hildebrand, President and CEO of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce and, at right, Bill Free, World's Championship Duck Calling Contest and the Wings Over the Prairie Festival Chairman. (Special to The Commercial)

Eplunus “E” Colvin has been named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year for the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and the Wings Over the Prairie Festival.

Featured in the 2025 Stuttgart Sportsman Guide Magazine, the announcement was made Wednesday, recognizing Colvin’s dedication to ensuring the busy Thanksgiving week festival runs smoothly and reaches a global audience.

Colvin is a reporter for the Pine Bluff Commercial.

Bethany Hildebrand, President and CEO of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, expressed immense gratitude for Colvin’s contributions. As a crucial member of the media team, Hildebrand stated Colvin works tirelessly to broadcast the events live, often putting in grueling seven-hour shifts without a break.

Also announced on the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival Facebook page, Colvin is described as having “a technical expertise, sharp attention to detail, and cheerful presence, which are vital in making the event accessible to fans worldwide, rain or shine.”

Beyond her livestream work, Colvin is also frequently seen capturing memories, documenting the excitement and spirit of the Thanksgiving weekend.

“We are so lucky to have E on our team,” Hildebrand shared. “She has been a critical part of our event for many, many years, and we are so thankful for the countless contributions she makes. The festival simply wouldn’t be the same without her volunteer spirit. We are constantly reminded of how important she is to our organization and to this event.”

Upon receiving the honor, Colvin expressed her heartfelt appreciation. “I am just speechless and so incredibly honored,” said Colvin, who has been a volunteer since 2015. “Anyone who knows me knows that my passion is capturing moments, because it’s in those moments that we can relive those precious memories.”

Colvin extended gratitude to the Duck Calling Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers who invest countless hours annually to ensure the event’s success.

“The legacy of Eplunus Colvin, and all the dedicated volunteers, is one of dedication, generosity, and reliability,” Hildebrand said. “Their efforts are truly invaluable.”

The 90th Annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival will be held Nov. 28-29. This annual festival, the largest outdoor expo in the Mid-South, spans six city blocks on Main Street in downtown Stuttgart and offers a wide array of activities for the entire family.

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