Fishing Fun for All: IBEW Local 97's Annual Take Kids Fishing Day Brings Community Together

Families gathered at Buckeye Park in Marietta, Ohio, for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 97's annual Take Kids Fishing Day. The event, which had been on hold due to the pandemic, returned three years ago, offering children the opportunity to experience the joys of fishing and connect with their community.

Reel in the Fun and Community Engagement

A Day of Fishing, Camaraderie, and Excitement

The sun shone brightly as a group of people, both young and old, gathered around the shores of Buckeye Pond at Buckeye Park. Armed with rods and reels, they eagerly awaited the chance to make a catch during the IBEW Local 97's Take Kids Fishing Day. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., provided a fun-filled day for families to enjoy the great outdoors and bond over a shared passion for fishing.IBEW Local 97 member Nicole Webster explained that the event had been a long-standing tradition before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was put on hold for a while. "IBEW Local 97 held the event for a while before COVID, but then stopped because of the pandemic and then started the event back up three years ago," she said.The pond at Buckeye Park is known to be home to a variety of fish, including bluegill and bass, offering attendees the opportunity to try their luck and potentially reel in a big catch. According to Webster, the event attracted around 130 people, making it the best turnout they've had in the last three years.

Providing Fishing Gear and Fostering Community Connections

One of the highlights of the event was the IBEW Local 97's generosity in providing each child with a new fishing pole, complete with a line and hook. This gesture ensured that every young participant had the necessary equipment to enjoy the day's activities."IBEW Local 97 provided each child who attended the event a new fishing pole already outfitted with a line and hook," Webster said. This thoughtful contribution not only made the event more accessible but also demonstrated the union's commitment to supporting the local community.The event was more than just a day of fishing; it was an opportunity for families to come together, bond, and create lasting memories. Terri Hallowell and her husband, Ronnie Hallowell, brought their grandchildren, including Kylie Stevens, and even Kylie's friend, Abby Lockyear, to the event."They love to fish," Terri Hallowell said, explaining why they decided to attend the Take Kids Fishing Day. The event provided a chance for the grandparents and grandchildren to share in the joy of the outdoors and the thrill of the catch.

Fostering a Love for Fishing and the Great Outdoors

The event not only brought families together but also sparked a love for fishing in the hearts of the young participants. Kylie Stevens, one of the grandchildren in attendance, shared her enthusiasm for the sport, saying, "I like to hold the fish."Even though Stevens and her friend Lockyear hadn't caught any fish a couple of hours into the event, and even got their lines tangled together, their spirits remained high. "At least we're having fun," Stevens said, demonstrating the true essence of the event – creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for the children.The Take Kids Fishing Day was more than just a fishing event; it was an opportunity for the IBEW Local 97 to connect with the community and showcase its commitment to supporting families and fostering a love for the great outdoors. By providing the necessary equipment and creating a welcoming environment, the union ensured that every child had the chance to experience the thrill of fishing and the joy of spending time with loved ones.