Over 100 kids take part in Flushing Area Ruritan Youth Fishing Derby
Scores of line hit the water Saturday morning, June 14 at Flushing Schular Park Pond, attached to fishing rods being held by 101 kids from three to 11 years old for the Flushing Area Ruritan Youth Fishing Derby. For eight years in a row, the Flushing Village Schular Park was the site for one of the largest youth fishing events in the Belmont County and possibly Eastern Ohio.
One-hundred and on eager fishermen were on deck for the event. Together with over 125 adults, made up of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other relatives, a real family outing took place. Make no mistake, it was all about the young people. The fish tried to hide but our young anglers sought them out and caught many, they were all returned to the pond. It was a great lesson in taking care of nature.
Family fun was certainly the order of the day, according to Dan Waller, event chairman. This is a special fishing derby, every youngster was a winner, receiving a brand new rod and reel, as well as a t-shirt commemorating the day, Waller stated. Many other prizes were given out. It was not about how many fish or how big the fish were, everyone was a champion, he stated.
In addition to fishing, everyone was treated to hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks. Mayor Barbara Bashline, club president, said the Ruritan volunteers were great. She said everything moved along in an orderly and speedy fashion and everyone received a little special attention. Ruritan members gave out bait, helped untangle lines, took fish off hooks and gave some instruction in casting.
Many towns people and parents stated that the Ruritan Youth Fishing Derby is the major family event for the local area. Over 900 new rods and reels have been awarded during the eight years of the event.
A special casting contest was a part of the day, with many youngsters trying their skills. The event started at 10 a.m. and was finished by 1 p.m. All along the bank of the pond you could see adults helping the little ones catch that special fish, no matter how big. Waller said the smiles were all the payment the committee needed.
The event is the dream of Warren Garretson, who moved to Flushing 10 years ago. As a new member, he brought the idea to the Ruritan Club and it started eight years ago with 28 kids. His idea was a family outing, featuring kid's fishing, but including the whole family. "I feel that if we could teach kids to fish at a young age, it would stay with most of them their entire life," Garretson said.
"Fishing is a sport kids can do alone, with friends or family, and they don't have to be an outstanding athlete to be successful. It takes a lot of time outdoors getting fresh air and enjoying nature," Garretson said. "It can provide some outstanding bonds between the young and older adults, if they give it a chance."
In addition to the Ruritan Club support, the group received help from some great community minded sponsors. The sponsors included: People's Bank, Bugala Trucking, Ross Automotive, Dr. Rick Pica, Dr. Brock Generalovich, Zion Christian Retreat & Nature Center, Richard Angelo, Flushing Alliance Church, Asbury Parish United Methodist Church, Lee Marshall in memory of Dottie Marshall, David Jones Auctions, Carpenters Pizza, Jack Hamilton & Associates, Convenient Food Mart, G & W Holding LLC, Bashline Chiropractic Clinic, Absolute Concrete, Rod's Welding, H. Snyder Trucking, Annabella Brokaw, County Carry Out, St. Clairsville VFW, Belmont County Chapter Buckmasters, Belmont National Wild Turkey Federation, Flushing Business Association, Universal Supply and B & B Construction, Ferrellgas, WesBanco, Art Works of Barnesville, J-Mo Meats, Hidden Valley Outdoors, Wal-Mart of St. Clairsville, Sandy's Country Curls and the Village of Flushing.
Seeing kids with their families enjoying the great outdoors and being treated special was an awesome experience. Many residents commended the local Ruritan Club was such a far reaching project.
The committee for the event included, Dan Waller, Doyle Pickering, Mike Waller, Peggy Howell, Dave Powell and Warren Garretson. Other Ruritan members helping were Al Hoder, Dave and Grace Jones, Ty and Debbie Justice, Henry Williams, Eleanor Garretson, Marcia and Gary Kunyuch, Will and Shirley Wharton, Keith and Kayla Girgaitis, Jeanette Hamilton, Pat Powell, Carol Myers, Bayden Waller, Bryson Waller, Kyle Hoffman and Michelle Tuchek.
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