This news item expired on Monday, November 11, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
On Nov. 11, veterans can fish the ponds at Charles D. Owen Park for free. Anyone with a Veterans Affairs card, military identification card, North Carolina driver’s license with Veteran status, or DD Form 214 may check in for free between 8 a.m.-noon and start casting. A North Carolina fishing license will not be required for veterans and their guests.
“Veterans Day is a day to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces,” according to Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “This is one way we can celebrate those men and women while encouraging them to enjoy Buncombe County’s public outdoor spaces with fishing buddies, friends, family members, and other veterans.”
Snacks will be served throughout the morning with hot dogs for lunch. Anglers are asked to provide their own fishing supplies and bait. Trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish have all been snagged in the ponds at the park. Owen Ponds offer accessible spaces for those with mobility limitations.
Charles D. Owen Park is located on 875 Warren Wilson Road in Swannanoa.
This event is made possible by a partnership between Buncombe County Recreation Services and the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event can contact parks@buncombecounty.org.
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