NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
CITY’S FREE SIXTH ANNUAL FISHING DERBY SLATED FOR SEPT. 18-20 AT JACKSON-LICK POOLHarrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the City’s Sixth Annual “Get Hooked on Fishing Derby” will be held at the Jackson-Lick Pool at 1201 N. Sixth Street during the weekend of September 18-20, 2004. The free fishing derby is open to youth only on Saturday, September 18, with families, seniors and special needs groups permitted on Sunday and Monday, September 19 and 20. The Mayor said youth attending Saturday’s special youth Fishing Derby are given the opportunity to learn how to fish, and catch up to two of the more than 1100 Striped Bass that are stocked in the pool. The first 500 youth participants will receive gifts and all will be eligible for fishing tackles and gear prizes. The free, daylong event begins with an 8:30 a.m. registration, with the Derby getting underway at 9:00 a.m. Reed said the Saturday’s program is structured so that either a family member or a volunteer mentor will accompany each young person casting a line, with experienced volunteers on-hand to bait hooks and give beginner lessons. The PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the PA Dept. of Agriculture will provide free equipment for youth not having their own. The Youth Derby includes a visit from Park C. Squirrel, the city’s Parks mascot, as well as arts, crafts and food. In addition to Saturday’s Youth Derby, the Mayor said the free fishing will continue on Sunday and Monday for adults and senior citizens. Sunday’s activities include Family Fishing from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, and Seniors Only fishing from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Seniors are invited on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, with Special Groups fishing from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Organized groups must contact the city Parks and Recreation Department for advance reservations for Monday’s free fishing. In all cases, there is a two-fish per person limit, noted the Mayor. “Our goal is two-fold,” said the Mayor. “Not only do we want to encourage and educate our youth about the sport of fishing, we also want them to have the opportunity to spend quality time with their families and adults.” Reed said the event is sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which is joined by co-sponsors Susquehanna Aquacultures, Inc., Blue Moon Fishing Club, WHP TV-21 & UPN TV-15, The Touch 1400 AM, Capital City Bassmasters, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Walmart, Eat-N-Park and the PA Dept. of Agriculture. Additional information on the Derby and advance registration forms may be obtained by contacting the Department of Parks and Recreation at (717) 233.7403. XXX |
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