NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
CITY FISHING DERBY SET FOR SEPT. 16, 17 & 18 AT JACKSON LICK POOLMayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the City of Harrisburg’s Eighth Annual “Get Hooked on Fishing Derby” will be held at the Jackson-Lick Pool at 1201 N. 6th Street during the weekend of September 16-18, 2006. The popular free fishing derby is open to youth only on Saturday, September 16, with families, seniors and special needs groups permitted on Sunday and Monday, September 17 and 18. 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 twelve-inch Striped Bass that will be stocked in the pool. The first 500 participants will receive gifts and be eligible for fishing tackle combos and recreational prizes. The free daylong event begins with an 8:30 a.m. registration, followed by the 9 a.m. Derby. Reed said the Saturday program is structured so that either a family member or 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 popular parks mascot, as well as arts, crafts and food. The pool is also stocked with 30 tagged fish representing various city celebrities and other community leaders, with anglers hooking them receiving special prizes. In addition to Saturday’s Youth Derby, the Mayor said the free fishing will continue on Sunday and Monday for adults and seniors. Sunday’s activities include Family Fishing from 9 a.m. to Noon, and Seniors Only Fishing from Noon to 4 p.m. Seniors are invited back again on Monday from 9 a.m. to Noon, with Special Groups Fishing set for Noon to 4 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 twofold,” said the Mayor. “Not only do the we want to encourage and educate our youth about the sport of fishing, we also want them to have an opportunity to spend quality time with a family member or other adult.” Reed said the event is sponsored by the City of Harrisburg and is coordinated by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. The city is joined by cosponsors the state Dept. of Agriculture, Capital City Bass Masters, Blue Moon Fishing Club and Susquehanna Aquacultures. Additional information on the Derby and advance registration forms may be obtained by contacting the Department of Parks and Recreation at (717) 233.7403. |
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