Children of all ages were invited to participate in the fourth annual Pee Dee Blast and Cast on Saturday at Krystal Dawn Retreat.
Pee Dee Blast and Cast is a fun-filled day featuring various activities with the intention to get children off of technology in order to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends while hearing the Gospel.
The event started in Moore County as Sandhills Blast and Cast, with the Richmond County spinoff beginning in 2023.
“In the winter of 2022, a man walked into my office and wanted certificates printed for Sandhills Blast & Cast,” said Wendy Huggins, owner of Jellison Press in Southern Pines. “I felt the Holy Spirit at that moment say I needed to know more about this event. When he came back to pick up the certificates, I asked him for more information. He gave me a quick rundown, and I knew at that moment God wanted me to bring the event to Richmond County.”
Huggins said she contacted the customer to learn more details and was invited to serve as a volunteer and to sit in on a board meeting.
Huggins went on to say that she had never heard of or attended the event, so at first, she was hesitant.
“Meanwhile, I pitched the idea to my pastor at Cordova Baptist Church, and we prayed about it,” Huggins said. “It was what the Lord wanted us to do.”
The next hurdle, according to Huggins, was finding a location.
Huggins said her pastor suggested reaching out to Leo and Barbara McAuley, owners of Krystal Dawn Retreat, which serves families of children with special needs.
Situated on a pond several miles south of Rockingham, the retreat is named in honor of Barbara’s late daughter, Krystal Dawn, who endured more than 50 surgeries during her short 13 years of life.
The McCauleys agreed to host the event along with Cordova Baptist — and Pee Dee Blast and Cast was born.
This year's event began with Pastor Kane McKenzie opening in prayer and Hamlet Senior Center Director Amanda Kempen singing the national anthem.
There were many areas set up for children and adults alike to enjoy. Some first responders participated, giving children the opportunity to explore their vehicles as well as learn more about what each one does. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office also had several K-9s at the event. Smokey Bear also dropped by.
Activities included fishing, paddle-boating, shooting, archery, axe throwing, train rides, face painting, cornhole games, crafts, blow-up slides and jump houses. The Gideons were also there offering free Bibles to anyone, and many other organizations were set up giving out information.
Hamburgers and hotdogs were grilled while children played, then lunch was served to anyone who was hungry.
Towards the end of the event, there was a time of ministry, with attendees gathering under the covered shelter to cool off as well as worship with Mount Carmel Church’s praise and worship team, followed by a message from Carl Moree from Pine Grove Church.
After everyone’s spirit was fed, and before the event ended, tickets were drawn for a variety of prizes including a Blackstone grill, a kayak, a bicycle and an all-terrain cart.
Pee Dee Blast and Cast was sponsored by several local businesses and churches:Quick’s Cake Life (Little Debbie), Jellison Press; Stay Alert Safety Services, Player’s Jump & Play, Chick-fil-A, Pee Dee Baptist Association, Casey's Portable Toilets; Calvary Baptist Church; Cobb Memorial Baptist Church; Faith Missionary Baptist Church; Mount Carmel Church, Pine Grove Baptist Church; Place of Grace; and Sweet Haven Church.
For more information, contact Krystal Dawn Retreat at 910-434-8740 or email krystaldawnretreat@gmail.com.
