First "Fish Fest" schools little anglers

Hundreds turned out for the Fish Fest at Spring Canyon last Saturday for what Emilee Franklin hopes will become an annual event.

Franklin, and education specialist at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, said the event drew over 500 people into the park.

Five of them actually caught fish, but 175 caught free fishing poles at the event that was put on to help kids learn to fish.

"I think for the first year of the park ever doing anything like this in the community, it was a pretty big success," Franklin said.

She noted that the fishing all being done from shore in shallow water on a hot day didn't produce a big catch, but the team is making notes for next time.

"I'm super impressed by my team, all the different partners and all the community members who came together," she said. "And I tell you why: All I saw was smiles down there."

The event, funded by a grant from the National Park Foundation, also drew cooperation from 10 other agencies and non-profits who set up information tables, taught skills like tying a line on a fishhook, and gave out 300 hot dogs (expertly cooked by the local Lions Club).

"No accidents, no injuries, five fish caught," Franklin said. ... "We're pretty happy, overall."