Monday, September 9, 2013

Senior Fishing Derby set for Sept. 18 at Flatiron. You'll want to help with this one!

The third annual Loveland Senior Fishing Derby is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Flatiron Reservoir west of Loveland on County Road 18E.
The free event is co-sponsored by the Loveland Fishing Club and Chilson Senior Center, aided by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, which will be stocking the lake with trout to help ensure the day’s success.  We need lots of volunteer help to ensure a great day for these elderly anglers, so be sure to add your name to Ray Park's signup sheet at breakfast or the Sept. 17 club meeting. This is quickly become one of the year's highlights.
Residents of all assisted living centers in the city have been invited to participate, and the club is covering the cost of their fishing license. Chilsen Senior Center is also signing up participants.
Anyone 65 years or older is welcome to participate, but will need a current fishing license. All other expenses, including entrance fees at the Larimer County Parks and Open Lands facility will be covered by the fishing club, including lunch, bait and prizes for things like biggest fish and most creative fishing hat.
The club will also provide fishing poles and assistance for anyone in need, and clean the fish of anyone wanting to take their catch home. The Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife will be stocking trout at Flatiron in advance of the event, to help ensure a great day on the water, and the club will provide a free lunch for participants.
“Most of the fishing club’s members are in their ’60,s ‘70s and ‘80s, and looking ahead to a time when we may need a little help ourselves,” says Ray Park, derby organizer and past club president. “We enjoy this day at least as much as our guests. Last year’s turnout was quite a bit larger than our first outing in 2011, and we’re expecting many more anglers this year. Watching the derby come to life as it has is a truly gratifying experience.”
The club is able to use the popular fishing area for the senior derby because of major handicap access improvements completed in 2012, including stairs, improved trails and other enhancements made with a Fishing is Fun grant obtained by the club in partnership with the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources. A handicap accessible dock on the west side also makes it easier for derby participants to enjoy the day outdoors.
For more information, contact Bill Prater, 303-682-0890; billjohnp@gmail.com
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