Mark Your Calendars for Oct. 5th

That's the date, according to Buck Buchanan (left) for the 16th annual Open Bass Tournament and Open Striper Tournament, sponsored by the Elizabeth City Bassmasters. All proceeds from these two events go to the Albemarle Food Bank.

Says Buck, "The bass guys will launch out of Bayside Marina on Pembroke Creek in Edenton. The striper guys also will be checked at Bayside Marina but can launch from anywhere on the Albemarle Sound or rivers."

Full details and entry forms for both tournaments can be downloaded from the Elizabeth City Bassmasters website. Go to http://www.elizabethcitybassmasters.com, then click on the "open tournament" link.

My thanks to John Goodman, Buck's long-time acquaintance, for referring him to me for help getting the word out about these charitable events. I'm always happy to help such worthwhile endeavors. Good luck in your efforts, too, Buck.