Local kids go fishin'

WARWICK-They had the best of both worlds. Last year the weather was good but the fish weren't biting as well as they might on a dreary day. This year, the weather was sunny and near perfect. And the fish were definitely biting. On Saturday, May 1, the Warwick Valley Rod & Gun Club, incorporated in 1945, stocked approximately 500 trout in Wawayanda Creek on Baird Farm. The picturesque farm, which has often served as a backdrop for television and print media commercials, was again the site of the Club's annual "Take a Kid Fishing Day" for children who live in the Town of Warwick. The event, organized by Club members for youngsters between the ages of five and 14, accompanied by their parents or guardians, is provided annually for children who do not have access to a stream or the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife and environment surrounding their community. Although most of the approximately 200 participants were successful, a child did not have to catch a fish to win one of the prizes awarded at the close of the event. Since it is not a contest, it has been the practice for the Club to award a prize to every participating child, whether the child was lucky that day or not. The prizes, most of which were donated by the local business community and some individuals, included fishing rod and reel combos, tackle boxes, lures and other outdoor recreation items. In recent years, as a result of the growth of the community, attendance at this event has grown dramatically. Contributions collected during the day and proceeds from the sale of food and refreshments will be used exclusively for next year's "Take a Kid Fishing Day."