Free Family Fishing Festival
By Thomas K. Remington
 

When I arrived, Wende Gray of Gray Marketing in Bethel, was setting up the registration table under one of Neil Olson’s tents. Neil was a popular guy this day. I jumped in and helped her get things unloaded from her car, neither of us wishing to discuss the weather or the lost prospects. We knew that being in Maine and from Maine, people would show up. We’re all hardy folk you know.

The festival was well represented despite the rains. Maureen from the Sunday River Alpaca Farm was there with three of her family of alpacas she brought along for the day. I got to see and feel my first ever alpaca and was I surprised to learn how incredibly soft the wool is and the wonderful array of natural colors these exotic animals have. In case you were wondering why alpacas at a fishing festival, the intention was to use fibers from the animals to tie fishing flies with.

The Mollyockett Chapter of Trout Unlimited, one of the main sponsors of the event, was present and volunteers would assist anyone who needed help in learning the fine art of casting and retrieving – also known as beating the water to death.

 

Bill Pierce, public relations guru from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, was in attendance and brought along tons of information as well as rods and reels to supply to those who didn’t have any.

 

The Fish and Game Department had stocked the pond at the Big Adventure Center and shortly after the first of the avid fishermen cast their line, a young fellow named Kiley Walker reeled in a very nice, healthy looking trout. No one is sure what Kiley used or what technique he put into play but for a few hours he was the only lucky fisherman. It seemed that in the pouring rain, the fish really weren’t interested in what anyone was willing to present to them. Once when I cast a worm and bobber, the fish were immediately attracted to the silver steel shot that was on the line for weight.

In the shadows of the event, Carter Davidson et al, from Egan Entertainment Network, was filming the action. Carter usually is filming skiing events but during the off season, they get out and fill in with some interesting summer outdoor events.

While kids and some adults were fishing the pond, others milled about learning about alpacas, the affairs of the Mahoosuc Land Trust and stocking up on brochures from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Another group was gathering at a back table.

My curiosity was winning out and each time I made an attempt to get to the table, I was interrupted by questions from those milling about. Finally, I landed at the table to listen in on the end of a conversation about the river.

The Androscoggin River flows through two states – Maine and New Hampshire. It originates in Maine, the headwaters being Umbagog Lake, which is fed by the Magalloway and Rapid Rivers, and flows into New Hampshire entering back into Maine near Shelburne, New Hampshire.

The river winds its way through western and central Maine until finally spilling into the Atlantic Ocean at Fort Popham, Maine. Its journey goes through Bethel and flowed right next to the site of the Family Fish Festival.

Bill Pierce, having a public relations and marketing mindset, was interested in spurring on the group of community leaders in attendance to further work toward promoting the river and all its resources. I’m not sure everyone at the table was as eager as Bill was to promote the river to everyone.

Part of that conversation involved a proposal that would open up part of the river near the state boundary to reciprocating fishing licenses for anglers. In other words, if you held a fishing license in Maine, you could fish a prescribed distance into the state of New Hampshire and vice versa. This would promote good relations between states who share the same river.

The group was given a list of ideas that could be employed to bring more river users into the area to boost local economies.

At the conclusion of the day’s events, all those that were left, who withstood the wind and rain, gathered once again under the tent in hopes of being selected to win a prize. I think every kid in attendance received a prize, as did several adults.

Local businesses, groups and organizations donated all prizes. Maine Fishing Today donated a beautiful fly-rod, reel, line and case they had purchased from Cabela’s as well as another fly-rod case.

There were tackle boxes, lures, clothing, backpacks, fishing rods for kids, oodles of gift certificates and later that night, my family and I redeemed our coupons for a free one topping sundae at Bethel’s Best Restaurant.

Despite the dampening of the elements, spirits remained high and as near as I could tell, everyone went home with big smiles on their faces.

It was the first Free Family Fishing Festival and I am anxiously awaiting next year’s event.