The Terry Tankersley Memorial Trail Ride is set for Saturday, March 31, at the Bussey Point Recreation Area. The event is sponsored annually by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. Pictured at a previous trail ride are Nancy Hardeman and Len Glidewell. The Terry Tankersley Memorial Trail Ride, sponsored annually by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, March 31, at the Bussey Point Recreation Area.

Terry Tankersley was a local cattle rancher who passed away in 2001 at the age of 47. Without his help, the chamber's dream of hosting an annual trail ride would never have become a reality.

During the event, horsemen may purchase armbands for $5 each and ride at their leisure from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The numbers on the armbands will be checked by chamber volunteers whenever riders enter or depart the Bussey Point gate area.

A negative Coggins Test and out- of-state health papers are required. Riders should note that water will be provided for the horses.

Concerning meals and snacks, riders can pack a picnic basket and/ or enjoy some of the wonderful food prepared by Robert and Holly Newberry, who will be serving lunch overlooking the lake at Bussey Point, the midway point of the ride.

The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings.

Riders and non-riders alike are encouraged to come out to the Bussey Point Recreation Area on March 31 and enjoy the spring weather, the delicious food, and the wonderful fellowship.

Owned and operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Bussey Point is a 2,545-acre, multiple-use recreation area located at the end of Double Branches Road. The peninsula is heavily forested and contains abundant wildlife; it also features 32.5 miles of shoreline and nine miles of trails winding through a natural forest setting. Directional signs are posted along the trails to help visitors locate points of interest including a primitive picnic area and a wildlife observation tower.

For those wishing to make a weekend of it, primitive camping sites are available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information about the Terry Tankersley Memorial Trail Ride, contact the chamber office at 706-359- 7970.

In conjunction with the trail ride, the Tankersley Family is hosting a supper on Friday, March 30, beginning at 6 p.m. at Tankersley Field, which is located on the left-hand side of the road just past Newberry Baptist Church on Double Branches Road.

The public is cordially invited to attend.