ENFIELD, NC: The First Annual Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle will take place Saturday, May 14, 2011.  Fishing Creek, one of North Carolina’s treasures, winds through pristine forest and showcases one of North Carolina’s hidden assets.

A tributary of the Tar River, Fishing Creek has a long history – very long indeed. Shark teeth are often found along the river’s banks reminding everyone that this part of North Carolina was under sea eons ago.  Bobby Davis, Enfield town administrator, said, “Fishing Creek thrills the imagination of visitors and residents alike. Equally as diverting as its natural beauty is the history of its people. Indians hunted in unspoiled forest, Colonists traded tar and pitch, soldiers and sailors fought for independence and freedom, and farmers toiling to make a living all represent stories of Fishing Creek.”

An Enfield committee was created to showcase the beauty of Fishing Creek and to bring attention to Enfield’s many paddling, biking, historical homes, and farmland byways opportunities.  The Town of Enfield, The Tar River Conservancy, Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle Committee are inviting kayakers and canoers for a morning of adventure and recreation.

The paddle will begin at the historic Bellamy’s Mill, where refreshments will be served during registration at 8:00 a.m.  Paddlers will then shove off at 9:00 a.m. and float with kayaks and canoes for 2.5 hours eventually disembarking near the CSX railroad crossing and Route 301.  The paddlers will then enjoy lunch and receive t-shirts at Jennie’s Beans and Buns Café in downtown Enfield.  Musical entertainment will be performed by Chambergrass, with David Schwartz on bass and Kim Terpenning on banjo.

Derek Halberg, executive director of the Tar River Conservancy, said, “Enfield has so many rich cultural and environmental assets, this paddle will help to draw attention to the conservation efforts of the Conservancy that will preserve places like Fishing Creek for generations to come.”

The Town of Enfield hopes that by highlighting the beauty and tranquility of Fishing Creek additional ecotourism events will soon follow.  Wayne Anderson, committee member and owner of Bellamy Manor & Gardens Bed and Breakfast, (www.manorbnb.com) echoes that sentiment.  Anderson believes Enfield has many positive attributes – from its rich history and tradition, its historical architecture and its expanse of surrounding farmland. He envisions the town to be at the forefront of  “ecotourism, agritourism and a new ruralism for active retirees.”

Robert Allsbrook of Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts in Enfield (www.auntrubyspeanuts.com) has experienced Fishing Creek for many years.  He has fished there often and tells us of its “scenic beauty and winding turns that seem to always unfold something special."

Mayor Barbara Simmons views the paddle as one of the events that draws attention to Enfield’s renewal.  Mayor Simmons states “Enfield has experienced new interest in its architecture: The Masonic Lodge is being restored and turned into a theater and arts center (www.thelodgeatroanokevalley.com); one of Enfield’s finest historic homes, Bellamy Manor & Gardens, is now a bed and breakfast; Jennie’s Beans & Buns, a café and meeting place in the downtown area, is thriving; Yoga Magnolia (www.yogamagnolia.com) is under renovation for a June 2011 opening; the old Enfield High School was put on the National Historic Register and now has apartments for seniors. All these and more show that Enfield is a great place to live, work and play.”

Christina Gordon of Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau sums it up by adding that “tourism is a primary source of economic revenue for small towns.  Even in an economic downturn, tourism activities always seem to prevail. People are continuing to look at ways to entertain their families and travel to unique and pristine areas.  Halifax County and the surrounding area will be a wonderful place for the arts, music, and agricultural tourism.  Tourists and residents alike are interested in seeing these activities, the movement of “knowing your local farmer” is huge across the United States.  What better place than Enfield and Halifax County to experience these wonderful and enriching experiences.”

Enfield is easily reached and is minutes off I-95 at Exit 154.  Registration is $30 and forms can be obtained through the Town of Enfield, 252-445-3146 or online at www.enfieldnc.org you can also find more info and registration forms at the Tar River Conservancy site www.tarriver.org and Bellamy Manor & Gardens www.manorbnb.com and Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visithalifax.com.

Sponsors of the First Annual Enfield Fishing Creek Paddle include Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts, Bellamy Manor & Gardens Bed and Breakfast, Bellamy’s Mill, Town of Enfield, Halifax County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Halifax Electric Membership Corporation, Jennie’s Beans and Buns Café, The Lodge at Roanoke Valley Performing Arts Center, RBC Bank and The Tar River Land Conservancy.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact committee member, Suzann Anderson, for more information at 252-445-2234 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .