A Fishing Rodeo is planned at the Hamburg Fish and Game Association on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20. Activities are planned rain or shine at the rear of the property, 935 5th Street in Hamburg.
2018 marks the 61st year for the rodeo, which is always held the weekend before Memorial Day. The event is organized by club members and is offered free of charge to any boy or girl up to age 15.
“This is the annual community event that the club does to reach out and give back to the community,” Debra Kline, event organizer, said, and the club stocks their pond with 1700 pounds of a variety of trout.
Last year, over 300 children participated and caught a combined 519 fish. Organizers are hoping for a similar result in 2018.
“This is a unique event since it is a two-day event,” she added. “Most fishing rodeos are only one day.”
Young fishermen and fisherwomen are welcome to fish both days of the events. Each day, participants who catch the three biggest fish across four age groups receive a prize.
To keep things fun, Kline said, they award a prize on both Saturday and Sunday for the boy and girl who catch the smallest fish. Door prizes are also given throughout each day.
“There is also an overall winner whose name gets engraved on a plaque in the club for the [largest] total number of inches,” Kline said. “To qualify you have to catch your two fish per day.”
Parents (or a responsible adult) must register their children for each day of the Fishing Rodeo, beginning at 8 a.m. Fishing is allowed from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.
Children can enjoy free hot dogs and free drinks. Adults can purchase additional food at a minimal fee. Raffle tickets and a Chinese auction are also planned. The event is run by volunteers and local businesses support the rodeo through donations.
The Hamburg Fish and Game Association holds events year-round for children, youth and adults. For information on events or club membership, call 610-562-3532 or visit their Facebook page at www.fb.com/HamburgGame.
