BY CAROLYN COOK/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SEDLEY–Steve Eure had a vision.

That vision became a reality when nearly 60 youth showed for the first Sedley Hunt Club’s Kids’ Day on Saturday .

Youth from the Holland, Waverly, Wakefield, Zuni and Sedley areas participated in BB gun and archery target shoots, and deer dragging and tracking competitions.

“I don’t know how many parents I have had come to me and say how much they enjoyed today, and they can’t imagine how big this could be next year,” said Eure, a hunt club member.

“It was a big success,” added hunt club president Troy Cook. “Everyone had a good time and did it safely. Volunteer and parent support was astounding, but it could not have been done without Steve’s dedication. We owe the success of this event to him and all his hard work.”

Competition winners were:

• 4- to 6-year-olds—Dale Bryant, BB gun and archery; Luke Giles, deer dragging; and the team of Ben Davis, Wesley Watson and Jack Whitley, deer tracking; Savannah Hill, best sportsmanlike conduct

• 7- to 9-year-olds—Taylor Bryant, BB gun; Wyatt Raiford, archery and deer dragging; the team of Cole Brittle, Trevor Harrell and Matthew Brantley, deer tracking; and Miles Beale, best sportsmanlike conduct

• 10- to 12-year-olds—Ethan Hasty, BB gun ; Carter Brittle, archery; James Peden, deer dragging; team of Blake Whitley, Hasty, Brittle and Hunter Bryant, deer tracking; and Brittle, best sportsmanlike conduct.

• 13 to 15-year-olds–¬Zack Tillett, BB gun; Dusty Watson, archery; Jeremy Bunch, deer dragging; Watson, Matthew Stout and Bunch, deer tracking; and Madison Cabell, best sportsmanlike conduct. Sedley Hunt Club was assisted by Sedley Woman’s Club, landowners, neighboring hunt clubs, parents and grandparents. Sponsor donations from businesses and individuals ranged from $10 to $250.

The competitions were monitored by adults, and safety hunting practices were taught.

Parents Holly Giles and Michelle Winters, both teachers at Riverdale Elementary School, thought the event was well planned and a safe family environment.

“I think it was a wonderful event, watching the children emulate their parents through the events of the day,” noted Southampton County Farm Bureau President Gary Cross. “As with any event, it’s a trial and error, so with next year’s event, they will see areas they can improve. More than likely, my children will tell me I have to come back next year.”

Eure was pleased with the turnout.

“I hope the kids have learned something to take back home with them,” he said. “I have had a huge amount of support from club members, wives and the community. If the club agrees, we will definitely do this again next year.”