Celebrate Mountain Heritage Trout Waters

May 20, 2011 - PRLog -- Troutacular! the state’s newest mountain heritage trout festival, is planned for Saturday, June 4, 2011 in celebration of Mitchell County receiving the honor of Bakersville and Spruce Pine being named two of five pilot programs for Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Cities in North Carolina.

The Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Program was established by the General Assembly in 2007 as a means to encourage trout fishing as a heritage tourism activity.  Participation is limited to cities and towns that provide public access to trout waters which are currently in the North Carolina Wildlife Commission’s trout management program and which run through or adjacent to those cities or towns.  Both Spruce Pine and Bakersville –along with Maggie Valley, Waynesville and Newland-have been designated as part of the pilot program.

Activities are being planned that will provide educational and fun entertainment for participants of all ages.  Events for the festival will include fishing and wildlife vendors and exhibits, Trout Unlimited, trout fishing, Toe River Outfitters with demonstrations, children’s activities, a fishing tournament for cash prizes, NC Fish and Wildlife exhibits, local crafters and of course food!

“Troutacular!’s impact is growing each year as it brings attention to our region’s unique fly fishing and the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters program.  This event provides kids and families with a fun day to celebrate and learn more about one of our greatest natural resources.” said Senator Ralph Hise.

The Mountain Heritage Trout Cities Festival is a dual town Festival, connecting Spruce Pine and Bakersville in a one day event.  The event is coordinated by the Spruce Pine Main Street, the Town of Bakersville, along with community business people.

This event is free for kids age 14 and under.

For more information contact Adam Burleson, Spruce Pine Main Street. 828-385-2341
http://downtownsprucepine.com/festivals/troutacular

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Spruce Pine Main Street was established in 1991 as a part of the North Carolina Main Street Program. The Main Street board consists leaders in the community. Our approach is based on four elements:
Organization is critical as it encourages cooperation and working together and fosters the creation of cohesive partnerships from diverse groups and individuals. From these partnerships evolve strong and effective revitalization programs.
Promotion consists of making downtown highly visible to the public by promoting and advertising a positive image which attracts consumers and investors and instills community pride.
Design enhances the visual quality of buildings, signs, window displays, and public areas. It shows a tangible commitment to revitalization.
Economic Restructuring means diversifying the downtown economy by recruiting new stores to balance the retail mix, converting unused upper floors into housing and offices, and improving management skills through workshops and seminars.