DOBSON — Ladies who like to shoot a gun, go fishing, ride a horse or those who would like to learn how to do those things are wanted for an event on Sept. 22 that is sponsored by the Tri-County Women in the Outdoors chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

The event will be held next Saturday at Fisher River Park in Dobson from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Females 8 years of age and older are invited to the event which helps empower women and gives them a day just for them, according to Una Freeman with the Tri-County Women and the Outdoors chapter.

Events include kayaking, a fishing derby, horseback riding, ceramics and wreath-making classes, a pistol showdown, rifle and advanced rifle courses, self-defense classes, crossbow shooting, skeet shooting and a queen for the day contest.

Freeman said those who attend have to be a member of the Wild Turkey Federation, which is $35 and the event costs $10 for members. Those wanting to attend can purchase a membership for the foundation upon arriving to the event.

Freeman said she already has 51 women signed up to participate. This is the third annual event for the group.

“We have the best Women in Outdoors event in the state. It has been for the past three years. This is a fun event, because the ladies get to step out of their normal routine and see what they are interested in,” said Freeman.

She said for some ladies, paying $45 can be a bit high. But, she said, some ladies sell tickets to Belk’s Charity Day event for the NWTF to earn their admission.

The way it works is, if the ladies sell 10 of the $5 tickets, that money goes back to the NWTF. Those who purchase the tickets from the ladies then get $5 off their purchase on Belk’s Charity Day. Freeman said shoppers are basically just getting their money back, but in turn, they are giving $5 to a charity that seeks to do good things in the community.

Locally, the NWTF Tri-Country RidgeRunners chapter hosts an annual catfish round-up at Shelton Vineyards. That event is for those with disabilities. It gives them a day outside to fish and forget about their disability, Freeman said. The group also hosts a dove hunt for those with disabilities. Freeman said one year, a blind man shot and killed a dove.

She said becoming a member of the NWTF has its benefits. She said it is a Christian-based organization and no alcohol is ever served at any event or the annual banquet. Each year the NWTF has a gun raffle in which 62 guns are raffled off each December. Members also receive the NWTF magazine for free. Those younger than 17, get the Jakes magazine designed for younger members. Members get a discount on Nationwide insurance as well.

“I think when women do this and find out they can shoot, it helps them be able to do more things as a family. Some of the women even go hunting with their husbands,” said Freeman.

Freeman encouraged those who are interested to sign up now for the sake of scheduling women in each event. Payments to participate can be made the day of the event. She said those who want to sell the Belk tickets should get those from the store in Mayberry Mall.

She said this event would not have been possible without help from the county commissioners and Daniel White, director of Surry County Parks and Recreation. She had a hard time finding a place to have the event since Camp Cheerio, where it was held the previous year, already was booked.

She is hoping that she will have enough door prizes to make sure everyone goes home with something.

“Local businesses have been so generous with door prizes for the ladies. I honestly appreciate that so much,” said Freeman. So far she has received gifts cards to restaurants and gifts from Remington and Bass Pro Shop. Other prizes include Bible covers and a pearl necklace from Elkin Jewelers.

Participants will be served both breakfast and lunch.

“It’s just a special day for women,” said Freeman.

For more information, call Una Freeman at 244-4616 or email her at unafreeman@surry.net.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1930.