Special to Iredell Free News
Operation North State (ONS), its supporters and volunteers are encouraging Lake Norman area residents, organizations and businesses to help support the 9th Annual Lake Norman Top Shelf Fishin’ Festival.
The event will be held Thursday, April 18, at the Pinnacle Access Ramp on Highway 150. Berea Baptist Church will host the early-dinner and more fellowship at 4 p.m. following the Festival’s 2 p.m. weigh-in.
The Festival, part of the 2024 Top Shelf Fishin’ season, will host 65 wounded warriors and disabled veterans for a great day of fishing and developing new friendships.
“There is nothing else like the Festival’s schedule in the country, utilizing eight different venues to treat these special Americans to a great day on the water,” Operation North State founder Terry Snyder said. “The wounded warriors and disabled veterans are excited to have the opportunity to go fishing with some of the state’s premier/tournament fishermen. Likewise, our fishing Host Boaters tell us how honored they are to be part of this event and giving-back.”
The 9th Annual Lake Norman Top Shelf Fishin’ Festival is free to wounded warriors and disabled veterans and their caregivers. There is no entry fee to serve as a host boater.
This year, Operation North State will host eight Fishin’ Festivals throughout North Carolina. The Festivals kick the season off at Lake Norman on April 18 followed by events at Badin Lake, Jordan Lake, Randleman Lake, Morehead City, High Rock Lake, Oak Island and Atlantic Beach – Ft. Macon.
Operation North State is requesting the following assistance:
• Register a wounded warrior or disabled veteran for the Festival (Free);
• Register as a Host Boater (Free);
• Donate items for door prizes;
• Cash donations to assist with dinner expenses, event T-shirts, etc.;
• Volunteer; and
• Help spread the word
“We would like to thank all the volunteers, restaurants, fishing equipment companies, retail stores and many other organizations that support this event and help make it a huge success. Our wounded warriors / disabled veterans and veterans-in-need deserve the best we can offer!” Snyder said.
LEARN MORE
Contact Operation North State at mailbox@operationnorthstate.com or call (336) 406-3459.