Fred Smith Summer Celebration

The 4th Annual Senator Fred Smith - Summer Celebration was held Saturday at the Riverwood Golf Club — a beautiful 27-hole championship course located just outside Clayton, North Carolina. Fred Smith is the man that many people are hoping will be the Republican nominee for Governor of North Carolin at some point. Right now he is one of the most respected State Senators in North Carolina.

Parking Volunteers Met Everyone As They Arrived

A sign of how well liked and respected Fred is shows from the tremendous success of his annual Summer Celebration event. This year it attracted a packed field of 150 golfers who contributed significant money to be a part of his event. It is of course a fund raiser for Senator Smith's re-election campaign, and as usual, Fred does things right.

Players Were Directed To The Clubhouse

Fred has been a success at everything that he has ever tried. A succesful Army officer, lawyer, farmer and real estate developer. He is also very frugal as indicated by the fact that this great golf course, Riverwood, is in fact his former farm! It is a beautiful piece of land and the magnificent clubhouse for the golf course was, before conversion, Fred and Ginny's farm house. Nothing like using everything effectively. That unique situation, plus the fact that Fred own's the golf course, makes this unlike any other Senator's golf event.

Everyone Was Helped To Unload Clubs And Put In Their Carts

The Golf Event was the start of a very busy day, but it was the heart of the fund raiser, and it got all of Fred's attention from the minute it started.

Next Stop Reception, To Check In And Get Oriented

A success since it started, it also has grown every year, to a great extent due to Senator Smith's attention to detail and the enthusiasm of staff and volunteers.

Dodie And Blair Were Busy Helping People Find Their Way

Not only has it grown, It also seems to get better every year. The staff and the volunteers who put the event on clearly take great pride in making sure that everyone has a good time.

Volunteers And Staff Are Critical To Politics - Thanks For A Great Job Everyone!

The way the event is organized, the players on each team get to meet Fred, since at one hole on the course he is an extra player for the team. Fred circulates taking the time to be with all the teams for a short period. Fred shoots one shot for the team, and they get to choose which shot it will be.

Some Of The Volunteers Helped Prepare The Food

This might not be as big a deal if Fred were not a very talented golfer.

Fred Spent Time With The Attendees, Catching Up On The Latest News

As The Crowd Finishes Eating, It Is Time To Get Ready For The Tournament

Fred Took A Tour Of The Putting Green And Driving Range To Greet Tournament Players

This Year's Crowd Was Huge, The Largest Yet, With 150 Golfers

Fred Kicks Off The Event With A Formal Welcome And Thank You For The Attendees

Rules Of The Event Are Explained

With Everyone In Their Carts, Final Instructions Are Provided

Everyone Charges Off For The Shotgun Start

Fred Helps Every Team, Here Waiting Beside The Neuse River Which Borders The Course To Use His Driver For One Team

Fred Smith Drives Were Straight And Long, Usually Over 250 Yards

Every Team Gets Their Picture Taken With Fred!

The entire day was great fun. If you are interested in the teams, they are posted on the Summer Celebration event blog at
http://summercelebration.blogspot.com

After the golf tournament, everyone got ready for the reception at Fred and Ginny's new house beside the golf course. Fred had invited Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, and you can read all about that Great American in the other article we posted yesterday and the article we will be posting tomorrow.