The community is warmly invited to participate in the Veterans Honor Ride, a significant event dedicated to supporting wounded veterans in Lake Oconee and the surrounding areas. This year’s ride will kick off the second annual Cast + Blast celebration, taking place from October 18-20, 2024, at Lake Oconee. This event is a collaboration between the Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (GA SCI) and the Lake Oconee Elks Lodge 2849. The event promises to be a moving tribute, uniting the community in a powerful show of respect and gratitude for those who have bravely served our nation.

The ride will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 18. It will begin at The Home Depot in Greensboro (2490 Meadow Crest Road, Greensboro) and will traverse an 11-mile route to the Elks Lodge in Eatonton (871 Harmony Road, Eatonton). To ensure the safety of all participants, the ride will be escorted by local police.

To amplify community involvement, cheer points have been thoughtfully designated along the route. Spectators are encouraged to gather at Highway 44 and Linger Longer Road, as well as Highway 44 and Harmony Road. These safe and dedicated spots will provide the perfect opportunity to cheer on the riders and celebrate the courageous veterans being honored. Each section will have flags for distribution, water bottles, and candy for spectators.

Cast + Blast is seeking volunteers to assist with this year’s event. Volunteers are needed to distribute flags and candy, as well as collect flags after the Honor Ride procession. Additionally, individuals are invited to drive their vehicles in the motorcycle parade.

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please contact James Lakeman at james.lakeman58@gmail.com or Mandey Phillips at mandeyp@glasslined.us.

This event, as well as other weekend events for Cast + Blast, are proudly organized by the Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (GA SCI), Lake Oconee Elks Lodge 2849, and local manufacturer Glasslined Technologies. The 2^nd Annual Cast + Blast event promises to be an unforgettable three-day celebration of service, gratitude, and outdoor camaraderie exclusively for wounded veterans.

The event will be as follows:

— After the Honor Ride, veterans ONLY will be treated to lunch at the Elks Lodge No. 2849 on Harmony Road, featuring guest speaker Sergeant Mike Reynolds, founder of Hero Agriculture. Following lunch, the veterans will be escorted to Old Hudson Plantation for practice target shooting.

— On Saturday, Oct. 19, the veterans will spend the day fishing on Lake Oconee. The day will conclude with a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Oconee, with live music by MaCayla Hodges and a meal catered by Iron Fork Café. This event is for veterans only.

— The weekend will wrap up on Sunday, Oct. 20, with breakfast and an award ceremony honoring all veterans.

With a shared commitment to honoring those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our nation, GA SCI, Lake Oconee Elks Lodge 2849, and Glasslined Technologies have collaborated to offer these veterans a private experience that blends exhilarating outdoor activities with genuine fellowship with the mission to provide a time of healing and tranquility.

The community is invited to stand together in honoring wounded veterans by considering a donation to this patriotic event. Contributions will directly contribute to making the second annual Cast + Blast an unforgettable experience for these heroes.

For more information about the event, donation options, and how you can get involved, kindly contact James Lakeman at 404-626-3533 or kindly visithttps://georgiasci.square.site/product/veterans-event-donation/375. Donations are tax deductible.