Larry Dickerson, Master Falconer from Statesville will take two adults (or one young person accompanied by an adult) on a falconry adventure.

Larry has 25 years' experience as a falconer although he has been working with birds of prey longer than that. Larry has trained and worked with a variety of birds from the American Kestrel to the golden and bald eagle and most species in between. He specializes in red tailed hawks, Coopers hawks and goshawks as his hunting partners. He is a life member and past president of the North American Falconers Association (NAFA), the world's largest membership falconry organization. In 2014 Larry received the Freienmuth Award, NAFA's highest honor for his leadership and service. He is also a very proud life member and past president of the North Carolina Falconers Guild as well as a member of the International Association of Falconry. He has traveled and hunted with his birds all over the United States as well as some international travel. He is a passionate speaker and advocate for birds of prey and conservation. He continues to serve the national falconry organization as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee. Larry has also been a volunteer specialist with the Carolina Raptor Center for about 27 years.

This adventure will consist of actual hunting with a bird (or birds) of prey. Falconry is the pursuit of quarry in its natural habitat with a trained bird of prey. This is not "exhibition or show" flying or training. This is the "real deal" and participating in what the birds do naturally?hunt and (hopefully) catch their quarry. This adventure will take place near Statesville at a time, date and place that will be arranged by the recipient and the falconer between November 18, 2019 and February 28, 2020. Larry's contact information will be provided by CRC to the recipient.

This is an outdoor activity and is often conducted in thick and rugged terrain. Hunts generally last an hour (+/-) and may cover as much as two miles. Participants need to be in reasonable physical condition and dress appropriately for the weather and being in the woods and thickets. If you wish to actively participate in hunting you must be a licensed hunter in the state of NC. If you wish only to walk, observe the hunt, take photographs or engage falconers in conversation, you are not required to be licensed. All local, state and federal regulations as well as requirements of the landowner(s) will be adhered to. Unlike most hunting however, you don't have to be quiet. We want people to have a good time and experience something they will likely only experience once in a lifetime.

Two tickets to see O.A.R. on June 20 at 7pm at the CMCU Amphitheatre in Charlotte, NC.

What happens when classical music meets street dance? Discover for yourself when FLY Dance Company, dubbed the Gentlemen of Hip Hop, joins the Charlotte Symphony on June 21, 7:30 p.m. in the Belk Theatre.

With clever, risk-taking choreography set to a mix of classical music selections like Claire de Lune, Firebird, Swan Lake, and Flight of the Bumblebee - this contemporary, hip hop dance troupe fuses the intensity and beauty of the two art forms, creating something entirely fresh and new.

So you think you know Hip Hop? Classical music? Think again.

Christopher James Lees, conductor

Grab your grub before heading out on the town with a $100 gift card to any Bloomin Brands eatery. Pick from Outback, Carrabba's, Bonefish Grill, or Fleming's Prime Steakhouse.

This nose to beak look at raptor training and husbandry immerses you in the world of our resident birds and bird trainers. We'll curate your experience after talking with you to learn about your bird passions. Some of the experiences you can choose from are vulture painting, seriema walk, raven recycling, eagle encounter, bird show practice, a bird flight to your glove, behind the scenes adventure, etc.

Specific birds and dates subject to availability. Must schedule two weeks in advance.

Get an inside look at what it takes to care for almost 1,000 birds a year. You could follow a bird through the process of intake, evaluation, and treatment. Observe the daily routine of the Raptor Medical Center. Visit a flight cage and help build up raptor flight muscles. Step into the OR with our internationally recognized vet orthopedic surgeon. Then release a bird at a coordinator approved release site (subject to availability).

Experience available Monday-Friday - must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance.

You and up to 25 guests can meet an owl, walk the Raptor Trail and do a raptor themed birthday activity. The Raptor Riot Birthday package includes a meet and greet with an owl, 1.5 hour rental of an indoor or outdoor space to eat cake and celebrate your birthday honoree, a special birthday card and your choice of a themed activity including:

Avian Artist | Suggested Ages 3+ | Craft Activity

Nature's Anatomy | Suggested Ages 8+ | Bird or Nature Identification Activity

Raptor Super Heroes | Suggested Ages 5+ | Comic Strip Activity

Please schedule at least 2 weeks in advance.

You and up to three friends go behind the scenes at the Carolina Panthers' Bank of America Stadium. Go Panthers!

Includes a signed Football from the team.

The winner will spend the day at the Hinds' Feet Farm blacksmithing forge in Huntersville with blacksmith and non-profit executive Marty Foil. Over the course of the day, you will learn forging basics: starting/maintaining a coal fire, safety, basic tools and beginning blacksmith techniques. At the end of the day you will come home dirty, but with a few items hand forged by you. Marty has created beautiful jewelry and utilitarian items in the forge, many of his creations support the work of Hinds Feet Farm, the Huntersville non-profit that provides day programs and a home for our neighbors with traumatic brain injuries.

Lunch will be provided.

For safety, winner should wear long pants, cotton t-shirt and closed toe shoes (boots preferred) and bring eye protection. Be prepared for a long day as you will light the forge at 9:30 and not stop (except for lunch) until 4:30-5:00pm.

Winner will coordinate with Marty on a mutually agreeable Friday or Saturday date.

Learn the magic of turning raw materials into delicious potent potables as you tour Good Road Cider Works and Pilot Brewery.

Spend the day learning what it's like to be a firefighter. Hosted by the Cornelius Fire Station.

You'll feel like an "A" student with two season tickets to Davidson Men's Basketball home games in John Belk Arena at Davidson College.

Do you golf? Win a round golf and picturesque Rolling Hills Country Club in Monroe, NC. Eighteen challenging holes await you and three friends. Tee times are Monday through Friday and carts are included.

Host up to 10 guests at your private home for the culinary experience of a lifetime! Utilizing locally sourced, organic ingredients, a private chef will prepare a 5 course meal inspired by local flavors and seasonal delicacies. Package includes cost of food.

Four admission passes to the best Raptor Center in the Country!

Admission for four to Historic Latta Plantation.

A pack of 4 Ray-Active cards good for various services at all Mecklenburg County Parks.

Get your adrenaline pumped with annual passes for 2 adults to the US National Whitewater Center.

Gear up for the great outdoors with a Jesse Brown's Prize Pack. Featuring a Tshirt, Water Bottle and a cool stickers from Jesse Brown's Outdoors.

Simply put- it's $50 to spend at the Sporting Gent.

Framed

Second Prize- Wild Bird Category

Second Place- Natural Landscape Category

Hawk

Second Place- PhotoWild Category

Framed

Framed

Framed

Elevate your next special event with a signature craft cocktail designed by Touchstone Tonics, a local mixology company specializing in creating memorable guest experience through craft cocktail design. We take queues from your taste preferences and local seasonal produce to create unforgettable drinks that feature pleasing flavor profiles, fresh ingredients and premium spirits. Perfect as a complement to any private dinner in your home for up to 10 people.

Package includes:

- design of up to two signature craft cocktails

- initial consultation to discuss your special event and drink preferences

- one tasting for up to four people with an opportunity to provide feedback on cocktails

- a second tasting to present final cocktail(s) designs for up to four people

- up to four hours of day-of service, liquor and craft ingredients for up to 10 people

* Can be tailored to compliment a large-scale event (birthday party, wedding, bar/bat mitzvah) but would not include liquor or ingredients

Honorable Mention- Wildlife

First Place- Wildlife

First Place- Natural Landscape

Printed on Metal

Printed on Acrylic

First Place- Wild Bird

Best In Show- PhotoWild Contest 2019

Enjoy a delightful dinner for four people at Luce, featuring Maestro James Meena; and then settle into your premium seats at the Belk Theater within the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center for an evening of arias.

Choose an Opera Carolina performance of Verdi's Macbeth on November 7th or 9th .

This certificate may be redeemed through November 1st, 2019."

The majestic wonder of North American Owl species are chronicled on this print on wood panel from artist Scott Partridge.

Greet your mornings with this plucky Egret. Canvas original art by Tom Delaney.

Hand pieced quilt lovingly created by Carolina Raptor Center volunteer Cathy Loughlin.

Hand pieced quilt lovingly created by Carolina Raptor Center volunteer Cathy Loughlin.

Have you ever wanted to climb into a Tonka Truck and play? Well, now's your chance.

Spend some time playing in a quarry with some of the biggest Earth movers known to man. This Bigger than Life experience will take place at one of Vulcan Material's quarries in your choice of Cabarrus or Pineville.

Get dirty and command the Earth element in this once in a lifetime experience.

Cyanotype print

This exquisite hand-turned oak bowl is made from wood sourced at Carolina Raptor Center.

Winner will receive a private, guided kayak tour on any of the following: Lake Norman, Mtn Island Lake, Lake Wylie, or any section of the Catawba River within 30 miles of Charlotte for up to 20 friends. This fun paddle will be up to 2 hours at a mutually agreed upon location based on experience and age of the group.

The paddle will be led by Catawba Riverkeeper, Brandon Jones and CRF Executive Director, John Searby. Kayaks, paddles, and PFDs will be provided along with snacks and drinks for a post-paddle Q&A about the River.

Date to be mutually agreed upon between July 10, 2019 - June 1, 2020.

This matted piece is actually SEVEN photos of a plucky Screech Owl together in a series.