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Fishing Forever / Family Fishing Weekend 2016 Thank You

Again this Fathers’ Day Weekend we had a successful and rewarding event at Cottonwood Lake. The weather was cooler than desired, and there was heavy rain and wind Saturday night, but during the daytime precipitation held off while we were on the lake.

Saturday for Fishing Forever a busload came from Mountain Lake Seniors Community (thanks Sandra and staff) to join a couple of van loads from Kootenay Society for Community Living (Castlegar – thanks Nova and staff) and various local individuals. Unfortunately Nelson Jubilee Manor was unable to send the usual busload this year. We did get 74 registered for the day. An osprey demonstrated its unique fishing technique.

Sunday Family Fishing saw 231 registered, with only fair success with the fishing. However, the flow was steady and there were only a few delays in getting on the water. The occasion was augmented by the presence of Bubbles the clown and an educational booth with Erin Bates from Central Kootenay Invasive Species.

Heartfelt thanks to those who volunteered to assist and to those who brought boats for our use. Many hours were spent taking out boatloads, operating the kitchen, and setting up/cleaning up. We had one volunteer from Ontario, and another from Surrey! A number of folks made a point of offering their thanks for the club’s efforts in making this a highlight day in the community.

Donations are gratefully acknowledged from Family Fishing Society (cash and fishing gear), Andex (washing station), Ben Beetlestone (bait), Jason Hawkes (sundry handouts), Gerry Vliet (door prizes), Glen McKen (firewood), as well as the province and Freshwater Fisheries Society for stocking the lake. In particular I wish to acknowledge and thank A & W Restaurant (Nelson) for providing the burgers and buns to feed over 300 people!

I hope to share my favourite event with you next Fathers’ Day Weekend at Cottonwood Lake!

Richard Green