For Release: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
I Fish NY Sponsors Fall Fishing and Children's Festival at Hempstead Lake State Park
Free Fishing, Rods and Bait, Pony Rides, Magic Show and Contests All Offered at Annual Long Island Event
The annual Fall Fishing and Children's Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Hempstead Lake State Park from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Peter A. Scully announced today. DEC is sponsoring the event along with the I FISH NY program, and in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), New York Sea Grant, A and E Sportsman, The Fisherman magazine, and Dicks Sporting Goods.
"The Fall Fishing and Children's Festival is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something about the great sport of freshwater fishing," Scully said. "The festival combines the opportunity to fish with a variety of children's activities to provide a rewarding family experience."
No fishing license is required for this event. However, fishing licenses will be on sale at the event for those who wish to fish during the rest of the season. Admission is $5 for anyone over the age of 12, and there will be a $6 vehicle fee, waived for those with a State Parks "Empire Pass."
Festival activities begin at 10 a.m. and offers fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, fish cleaning services, loaner rods, and free bait. Additionally, a display area will be set up by I FISH NY, Trout Unlimited, DEC's Environmental Education staff, as well as other fishing and environmental organizations.
Children's activities will also begin at 10 a.m. and will include an inflatable slide, pumpkin decorating, a magic show, pony rides, and face painting. A casting contest where participants can catch a pumpkin or "hook" a prize will be held by the Knights of Columbus of Seaford.
In addition to the fishing festival, the hand-carved Antique Carousel will be open for rides. The Antique Carousel was constructed in 1916 by M.C. Illions, considered the "Grandfather" of the Coney Island Carousel stylings. Rides are only $1 and are sure to attract visitors, so arrive early.
The festival is the highlight of the DEC's special fall trout stocking program in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Prior to the festival, South and McDonald Ponds in Hempstead Lake State Park, Upper Twin Pond, Oyster Bay Mill Pond, Massapequa Reservoir and Massapequa Creek and 12 Suffolk County lakes will be stocked with brown and rainbow trout. These stockings will occur by Oct. 19, and will provide excellent prospects for fall fishing. A second DEC stocking will occur by Veterans Day.
For more information about the event or weather concerns, please call DEC's I FISH NY at (631) 444-0283 or Hempstead Lake State Park (516) 766-1029 for event status. There is no rain date for this event. You can also find information about the festival at www.ifishnewyork.org.
For more information about the fall trout stocking program in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280. General information on freshwater fishing on Long Island can be found on the DEC website.
What: Fall Fishing and Children's Festival
Where: MacDonald and South Ponds at Hempstead Lake State Park
When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008
Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Who: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and New York Sea Grant
Details: Come out and enjoy a day of fishing with the entire family! Headlining the event is a children's "Casting for Pumpkins" contest. In addition, over 1,000 trout will be stocked prior to the event.
Cost: $5 for those 12 and over
Parking Fee: $6; free with Empire Pass
Sponsors: DEC's I FISH NY program, OPRHP, The Fisherman magazine, Dicks Sporting Goods, and A and E Sportsman
Contact: DEC's I FISH NY at (631) 444-0283 or mjn36@cornell.edu
