You may remember our post about that fantastic, fun kids event this past April, the Klineline Kids Fishing Derby. Well, we’re back to report it was a rousing success!
But they need your help. Read on about how this event is bustin’ out at the tackle box.
Over 2900 kids fished during the two day event held annually at Klineline Pond in Salmon Creek Park. The event began with Special Needs Kids and Adults fishing on Friday April 10, and culminated Saturday April 11 with fishing for kids ages 5 to 14. For a $5 entry fee, participants were given an event t-shirt and fishing rod & reel complete with gear, tackle, and bait. (No child is ever turned away for lack of funds and we gave out many scholarships as well.) Each entrant fished for 45 minutes with a volunteer fisherman mentor. The pond was netted and held trout up close to the shore so that more kids would have a successful experience. Trophies, gift certificates and tackle boxes were awarded for largest and smallest fish caught in a fishing time slot of 45 minutes. In addition 32 kids bikes were given away by random drawing. Also, 500 pounds of fish were donated to Share House in Vancouver.
This event is growing. People from as far away as Astoria, Oregon and Duvall, Washington attended. In fact, an estimated 11,700 people were hosted at the park during the event. If you looked west from I-5 the park looked like a carnival with white pop-up tents lining the sidewalks. Sponsors of $250 or more were invited to put up a tent and share what they do. No selling was allowed. Food, ice cream, coffee, and hot chocolate were given away. Crafty projects including building with hammer and nails, and color crayon artwork were also popular. In addition, kids tried their hand at shooting bows and arrows in an archery clinic in the back meadow.
This community event is in jeopardy. The annual growth and popularity of the event requires buying more fishing rod & reels. Each pole costs over 8.00 and t-shirts cost 3.50. The $5 entry fee helps but as you can see, does not cover all the costs. In addition, the fish nets are getting old and have been repaired multiple times. They need to be replaced. Klineline Kids Fishing Nonprofit applies for grants and donations to pay for these things. We rely heavily on a Washington Fish & Wildlife ALEA grant for the rods. Budget limitations this year cut a two-year grant request by 40 percent. Outreach for monitary support for fish net replacement has been ongoing since 2013 with $1000 donated and targeted for that project.
In addition, Klineline Kids Fishing Nonprofit supports 5 other local kids fishing programs with fishing rods and volunteers. They include Columbia Springs Kids Fish-In, Merwin Special Kids Fishing held at the Merwin Hatchery, Merwin Kids Fishing held at Merwin Reservoir, Boy Scouts, and Lake Sakajawea Kids Fishing.
Three ways you can support Klineline Kids Fishing:
- Walk into any Riverview Community Bank and let the teller know you want to donate to Klineline Kids Fishing!
- Go Fund Me at http://www.gofundme.com/klinelinekids
- Mail a check to the address below.
Klineline Kids Fishing Nonprofit
PO Box 873875
Vancouver, WA 98687
You can also like them on Facebook and share in your social media stream!
Klineline Kids Fishing website
KKF facebook page
and on Instagram: #KlinelineKidsFishing
