HURRICANE — The “Fish-N-Fun” event celebrated 10 years of helping the disabled get out and cast some lines for bass and bluegill Saturday at Sand Hollow State Park.
Steve Miller, professional fisherman and president of Fish-N-Fun, said the event was a way to give back to the community and help the disabled enjoy an activity that is not always an option for them.
The fun wasn’t limited to fishing, however: An awards ceremony and barbecue kept participants entertained even when not reeling in a catch.
Miller founded the event in 2006.
Sponsored by the Southern Utah National Guard 222 Field Artillery unit and numerous other businesses, the event drew approximately 50 participants, with both children and adults taking part. Volunteers donated the use of approximately 35 boats, five of which were the larger pontoon boats.
The fishermen casting their lines primarily caught large mouth bass but also hooked an occasional bluegill.
Some good-sized fish were caught, Miller said.
The servicemen of the National Guard also did all the cooking at the barbecue. Altogether, several hundred people took part in this year’s festivities.
“Today went excellent. It was a lot of fun. I think everybody enjoyed themselves,” Miller said. “A lot of fish were caught. A lot of smiles on faces.”
The fishing began at 8 a.m. A large tent was set up to provide shelter from the rapidly-rising heat. Participants were able to keep cool with refreshments donated by Coca Cola of Southern Utah. Food from Stone Meats sustained the exuberant fisherman throughout the morning and into the afternoon.
While the National Guard was the primary sponsor, 31 other sponsors also take part in the event, including Coca Cola of Southern Utah, Stone Meats, Tinks Auto Parts and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
Calico Holt, fishing manager for Sportsman’s Warehouse, said it was a pleasure to see so many happy faces.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” Holt said. “It’s fun to see how excited they get.”
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Sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane, Utah, June 4, 2016 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News The 10th annual Fish 'n Fun fishing derby helped disabled people in Washington County get out and enjoy a day on the lake at Sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane, Utah, June 4, 2016 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News The 10th annual Fish 'n Fun fishing derby helped disabled people in Washington County get out and enjoy a day on the lake at Sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane, Utah, June 4, 2016 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News The 10th annual Fish 'n Fun fishing derby helped disabled people in Washington County get out and enjoy a day on the lake at Sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane, Utah, June 4, 2016 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News The 10th annual Fish 'n Fun fishing derby helped disabled people in Washington County get out and enjoy a day on the lake at Sand Hollow State Park. Hurricane, Utah, June 4, 2016 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News
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