I was really excited when I read about the N.C. Coastal Land Trust’s latest fundraising effort. I don’t come across events like this one every day. It looks like something different to do outside and meet a lot of interesting people along the way.
From 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday Feb. 27, the Land Trust will hold a “Field Day at Five Eagle Partners Farm.” When I was a kid, “field day” meant potato sack and three-legged races. But photos from last year’s event show that this one is quite a bit different. For one thing, there will be an oyster roast. Which is cool. I like oysters with a Saltine cracker and dab of Tabasco.

But the coolest part (and most unique part, in my opinion), is going to be the retriever demonstrations. I can spend a whole Saturday afternoon watching the retriever demos that come on TV once in awhile. I think it’s really an art to teach a dog how to work in the field. It shows a great deal about the capabilities of the dog and the trainer.

The fundraiser will also feature music by Masonboro Sound and a raffle to win an AKC registered female Labrador hunting dog. Raffle tickets are $100 each and only 100 will be sold. The drawing will be held at the Field Day but the winner does not need to be present to win. The package includes hunting training at Lake Country Retrievers and the puppy comes from a lineage of master hunters. Tickets may also be purchased at the Coastal Land Trust’s website www.coastallandtrust.org.

The property itself is enough to get excited about. Driving tours of the area will be given to show visitors to the event part of the 1,200 acres protected by the N.C. Coastal Land Trust.

Officially, the land is still owned by Judy and John Thomas (of Thomas Built school buses), but the Thomas family recently placed it under the Land Trust’s protection and are managing it for duck hunting, retriever trials and training for local Boy Scouts. Sounds like a very nice family.

And a nice piece of land. Five Eagle Partner Farms lies along the Northeast Cape Fear River in Rocky Point, Pender County. The property is privately owned and open only for private events.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, register now. The event is limited to only 250 guests. To get your foot in the door, buy your tickets now at www.CoastalLandTrust.org. Tickets are $50 per person, free for people 17 and younger. The event is rain or shine.

For details, you may also call 790-4524 ext. 19