2004 Fishing Derby for the Disabled
has Another Huge Turnout

Sponsored by Lake Huron Sportfishing, Inc.
and Wright & Filippis, the fishing derby at
Cedar Brook Trout Farms in Harrisville, MI
continues to draw a larger crowd every year.
This year, the Alpena facility had over 85
reservations in comparison to approximately
30 last year.

According to Michelle Taliaferro, the facility manager in Alpena, "We expected a large number of responses, but not nearly as high a number as we received. We had to actually stop taking reservations because there would have been just too many people fishing."

There were over 220 people including the care givers
present, and the weather was spectacular.

The sun was shining, the fish were biting, and the smiles get bigger every year. Many of the participants wore their medals proudly from the previous years to show everyone they had conquered the Brook Farm in the past. Of course, the "first timers" loved getting their medals this year and were certainly just as proud to show theirs off.

Each participant enjoys a catered lunch with dessert and as many soft drinks as they wish. When they catch two fish, they receive their medal. However, the highlight of the day is to just watch and see the fun they all have.

There is also a train ride which takes a close second in the smile category. "It is sometimes hard for the participants to decide which activity they want to do first, the excitement in their eyes makes it just a spectacular event," said Michelle. The weather was in the 80's and the support from all who helped was extraordinary.

Next year will of course be bigger than the previous, and will require more volunteers. However, it is such a fun day; there certainly shouldn't be a shortage of helpers. Thanks to all.

Volunteers help the participants
with their fish.