Free fishing day scheduled

The Ninth Annual Free Fishing Day is Sunday, June 26, held in Area 1 of Hamlin Beach State Park. The event starts at noon with demonstrations and short classes put on by the DEC, Hamlin Conservation Board, the Coast Guard Flotilla, OPRHP and by the volunteers who have participated annually.

Councilwoman Shirley Hollink, the original and continuous organizer of this event, says she is excited about the great opportunity this is for people of all ages. "The first year we held this event there was an 80-year-old man who attended. He had never fished before in his life and was so excited to be able to learn how to fish. It was almost like he was a little kid again he was so happy. It's these things that make this event so worthwhile and brings back the volunteers as well as the participants each year."

Park Manager "Big Jim" Slusarczyk says, "This is not only a fun, family outing, but it also brings people into the park who may not have had a chance to see what Hamlin Beach State Park has to offer."

New this year is the teaming up of the Kids All-American Fishing Derby. This program provided additional items for the goodie bags each family receives as well as additional prizes and certificates. There are also contest entry forms with opportunities to win a $500 savings bond from Zebco, $500, $250 or $100 gift card from Wal-Mart and other prizes from Fujifilm.

A limited number of free passes into the park are available at the Hamlin Town Clerk's office. For information on this event or to volunteer, call Hollink at 964-7528.

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