By Deirdre Parker Smith

deirdre.smith@salisburypost.com

Operation North State is planning a meet and greet at Tilley Harley-Davidson Thursday night for veterans and volunteers who are interested in the 2016 Top Shelf Fishin’ Festival.

The kickoff will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Tilley Harley-Davison, 653 Bendix Drive. It will include a meal of chicken stew, soft drinks and desserts.

Terry Snyder, founder of Operation North State, said it is a chance for wounded warriors and disabled veterans to get together and get to know each other better before the festival. Snyder said the festivals are a way for veterans to get out and have a good time. No money or points are involved.

Some of the veterans have asked to discuss the importance of recreational outings.

Volunteers offer their boats and assist with the fishing festivals, which are held at Badin Lake, Lake Norman and other locations around the state.

Operation North State has been around for about six years, hosting fishing festivals and preparing Christmas boxes for deployed military personnel and veterans in need. Last year, they sent 1,500 boxes using “North Carolina people, North Carolina products and North Carolina pride,” Snyder said.

The group also supplies food and needed items for residents of the N.C. Veterans Home on the campus of the Hefner VA Medical Center.

Snyder said the next big event they are planning is to have a veterans or military appreciation day at the N.C. Zoo sometime in the spring of 2017.

For more information, go to www.operationnorthstate.com or call 336-764-5967.