Today was all about giving kids a special one-on-one experience with the Clinch River. Over 70 kids, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles joined us for this fun day. The weather was great. The day was relaxed and there was no pressure on anyone. It was time to enjoy nature and some good company.
What a great bunch of volunteers showed up to provide the kids with a safe, fun, and educational time on the river! These volunteers are what makes our chapter successful, fun, and productive.
Bev Howard helps suit 'em up!
The day was held on the Tennessee statewide “Free Fishing Day” when no fishing license was required. The Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited in cooperation with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sponsored the event between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The activities took place at the TVA Miller Island Access on the Clinch River in Norris. TWRA stocked fish for the event. TVA kindly held off their generation for the hours of the event.
Volunteers were on hand to teach kids to bait, spin, and fly fish. Equipment was available for loan to children. Other activities included fly tying demonstrations, casting lessons, boat rides and there were also free hot dogs and goodies, and drawings for prizes!
Chapter member Ron Wollard's company, CK Supply of Knoxville, donated $250 towards the tent rental for the day. Ron also was in charge of cooking the hot dogs which he did brilliantly!
Ron Wollard and Cathy Jerrolds
cooked up some free hot dogs
Buzz teaching kids how to tie flies
Buzz Buffington brought fly tying supplies and he, along with Scott Baker, Bev Howard, and Sarah Weeks taught the art of tying flies.
Thanks to chapter member and TVA employee, Tiffany Foster, for arranging for loan of waders and life vests to keep the kids safe; and thanks to John Thurman for bringing them along with TVA boats.
Thanks to Bill Shipman for providing drinks, hot dog condiments, fishing supplies, trolling motors and more!
Reporters Ray Blakney of the Clinton Courier News and Tom Wiest from the Oak Ridger newspaper attended and let the kids know how important this day was for them.
Congratulations to the parents. grandparents, aunts, and uncles for taking the time to bring their kids to this event and giving the kids a great experience with nature.
Bill Shipman presents Sam Barrett
photos from last year's special day
Check out the day in the photos below. Click on image to enlarge:
