LAURINBURG – It may have been a bit brisk Saturday morning, but that didn’t stop the sound of motorcycles firing up to participate in Smithfield Hog Production’s sixth annual BBQ Cook Off and Motorcycle Run fundraiser for veterans.
Kickstands were up at 10 a.m. and the bikers rode for several hours arriving back to the starting destination in time for the winners to be announced for the BBQ cookoff.
Each year, Smithfield Hog Production chooses a cause in which to support veterans. This year they chose Operation North State.
“We do this for disabled veterans in North Carolina and veterans in need,” said event coordinator Sheila vanDyke. “We have worked with Operation North State in the past in fishing tournaments.”
Despite the cold temperatures, several showed up to support the event, although the turnout wasn’t as good as desired.
Operation North State is located in Winston Salem, N.C., and is a North Carolina charity for veterans, wounded warriors, disabled veterans, and deployed troops.
Operation North State Chairman, Terry Snyder attended the Smithfield Hog Production event.
“It’s also what you carry from this point,” Snyder said. “Once we leave the event there is still a lot that can happen to help the cause.”
Snyder also mentioned N.C. Festivals for a Reason, which is a series of events throughout the year in which Operation North State holds to help veterans. The Top Shelf Fishin’ Festival is among the eight fishing festivals held.
Snyder also mentioned former NASCAR driver Richard Petty being a big supporter, as one fishing tournament is held at Petty’s home in Randleman, N.C. The events are focused on being fun, not competitive, and they are mainly focused on disabled and wounded veterans.
N.C. CARES Christmas Box project is another yearly event through Operation North State, as they are looking forward to their eighth year next month.
Snyder stated that it was a $210,000 project and, “all this is done through volunteers, supporters, and through some great corporate sponsors. I am a firm believer it can be done with grassroots support.”
Proceeds from the events are designated to help throughout the state of North Carolina.
Among the nine participants, the winners of the BBQ Cook-Off were announced, as first place went to Bruce’s Almighty Butts with a $300 cash prize. Second place went to C&M BBQ Pitt, and third place went to Blowing Smoke.
For more information regarding Operation North State, contact Terry Snyder at 336-764-5967 or email at terry@operationnorthstate.com.
