Operation North State (ONS), its supporters and volunteers are calling on North Carolina’s people, places, products and pride (especially in the Lake Norman community) to help support the 8th Annual Lake Norman Top Shelf Fishin’ Festival. The event will be held Thursday, April 20 (rain or shine) at the Pinnacle Access Ramp on Hwy 150. The Berea Baptist Church on Hwy 150 will host the dinner and fellowship again this year following the Festival’s 2:00pm weigh-in.
The Festival will host 65 Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans to a great day of fishing and developing new friendships. According to Operation North State’s founder/volunteer, Terry Snyder, “The Festival is being held at the request of the Wounded Warriors / DVets asking to go fishing on North Carolina’s premier lakes and fisheries with experienced anglers. ONS’ 2022 Top Shelf Fishin’ Schedule features NINE premier fisheries – including Lake Norman. There is nothing else like the Festival’s schedule in the country utilizing nine different venues to treat these Special Americans to a great day on the water. 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.” Snyder said.
The 8th Annual Lake Norman Top Shelf Fishin’ Festival is FREE to Wounded Warriors / DVets and their caregivers. “And, there is no entry fee to serve as a host boater. Operation North State is grateful to these expert fishermen for providing their time, expertise and equipment” Snyder said. This year, Operation North State will host TEN annual Fishin’ Festivals throughout North Carolina. They kick the season off at Lake Norman on April 20 followed by Badin Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Mackintosh in Burlington, Randleman Lake, Morehead City, the NCWRC’s Pechmann Fishing Education Center in Fayetteville, High Rock, Oak Island and Atlantic Beach – Ft. Macon.
Operation North State is requesting assistance and participation as follows:
- Register a Wounded Warrior / Disabled Veteran for the Festival – FREE
- Register as a Host Boater – FREE “Biggie”
- Donate items for door prizes (gift cards are king)
- Cash donations to assist with dinner expenses, event t-shirt, etc.
- Volunteer
- Help spread the word!
North Carolina’s grassroots community support and premier brands, products and logos make the Lake Norman Top Shelf Fishin’ Festival possible. “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 / DVets and veterans-in-need deserve the best we can offer!” added Terry Snyder.
Contact Operation North State at mailbox@operationnorthstate.com or call 336.406.3459 to offer your assistance. Snyder says that you will be in great company.