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Kids fish free, squeal with delight By Kate Breece HWD Public Affairs As the morning mist cleared over Lake Jennings on Saturday, April 16th, Helix's annual Earth Day celebration was drawing a crowd.
By the end of the morning, 360 kids had enjoyed free fishing and 160 adults had enjoyed baiting the kids' hooks. Dozens of Helix volunteers provided the needed labor--turning hotdogs on the grill; making coleslaw; putting up signs; filling balloons; working the shoreline to help kids (and adults) with the right sinkers, bobbers, hooks, and bait; registering guests; handing out free Earth Day T-shirts, raffle tickets, and books on fishing; and directing traffic. The smell of the BBQ filled the air in Hermit Cove at 10 a.m. and, by the time the last person left, 725 hotdogs, 30 lbs. of coleslaw, 50 lbs. of baked beans, and 912 sodas had been consumed. At noon, the free raffle placed dozens of prizes into the hands of eager children. The giveaway included 10 Padre baseballs, 25 rod-and-reel combos, 45 Shimano reels, 29 tackle boxes, 2 Charger footballs, 5 half-day saltwater fishing trips, 16 fly fishing vests, 5 $20 bills, and 3 bicycles. However, the best part of the day was definitely the squeals of delight when kids brought in their first fish. Or maybe it was when Moms, Dads, Grandpas, and Grandmas took photos of kids with happy faces and squirming catches. You be the judge! |
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John Spagenski, 6, of Santee, displays his catch.
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