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On Saturday, May 2, 135 children took part in the Back Mountain Police Association’s third annual Kid’s Fishing Day at Frances Slocum State Park. The children and their families participated in morning activities, which included basic fishing instruction by Phil Levendowski and Jack Breita of the Nanticoke Conservation Club, T-shirt art with an aquatic theme by Kathy Kelchner and fished for more than 1,000 stocked trout (including trophy trout, 18 to 22 inches) in a 1,200-square-foot net enclosed area of Frances Slocum Lake. Each child attending the event received a gift of an embroidered ball cap stating “2009 Kid’s Fishing Day.”
Early in the afternoon, the children were gathered for group pictures and prizes. Prizes included bicycles awarded for the largest trout by weight, and Ugly Stick fishing combos given to children that caught tagged fish. In a special drawing sponsored by Generation to Generation, the children were eligible for new bicycles. In total, 40 fishing poles and fishing outfits, 30 fully stocked tackle boxes and eight new bicycles were given out as prizes.
Afternoon activities included a K-9 demonstration and a child fire safety program using the Nanticoke Fire Department smoke trailer. Tux, the Penguins mascot, also made an appearance. An unscheduled performer, a bald eagle, showed up at the photo gathering and took four lazy circles above the children, to entertain the crowd. The day ended with a fishing session for all children at the park. The entire program was free, with breakfast, lunch, loaner rods, bait, gifts and prizes provided by the Back Mountain Police Association, with additional support coming from sponsors and donors. Dozens of association members volunteered their help.
The Back Mountain Police Association’s goals for this event are twofold: to provide a positive interaction between law enforcement officers and children so that the children understand that law enforcement is there to provide help and friendship, and should not be feared or avoided; and the association is interested in promoting the “wholesome outdoor activity” of fishing, which is an excellent opportunity for family participation in a hobby that is inexpensive and can be enjoyed year-round.