Fish on at the Kids Outdoor Expo & Fishing Derby

Over 300 anglers and supporters attended the Kids Outdoor Expo & Fishing Derby at Pac Man Pond in Jorgensen Park, Gunnison, on Saturday.

The event was produced by Gunnison Parks and Recreation. Andy Elfin, events manager with the city, told the Times, "This event has been going on for many years. I'm going on my 12th year with the city. We contact all the different agencies in the region; we have people from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, US Forest Service, BLM [Bureau of Land Management]. Everyone has booths and is teaching folks about the outdoors. We have a lot of great sponsors; Gene Taylor is here. They are a major sponsor and have been one for years. Taylor Park Marina has also been a sponsor for years; Arrowhead Lodge, Three Rivers Rafting. This is just a really fun event; Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides a fishing pole for every child. Coloradosportfish.com is here, and they are cleaning fish for people. 

"And thanks to Colorado Fish and Wildlife, Pitkin Fish Hatchery has stocked the pond two or three times for this event. We have Gunnison County Health and Human Services here too. Jon Hare from High Country Conservation Advocates is here.

"Gunnison Parks and Recreation- all of my employees work hard to put this on. This is just a great event.”

Nicole Stone and Shonna Gray with Gunnison Health and Human Services were available to chat with people about "Preventing injury, we were able to procure some grants so we can get things like gun safes, and we are here talking about gun safety in the home, injury prevention as far as being safe and visible when we are outside playing around, especially at dusk so kids are staying visible, we are handing out bike lights. We also are giving out life preservers; everything we are providing today is free," said Stone.

"Ticks are out early this year, and we are providing information about them, said Stone."

A recent newsletter from UC Health concurs, "Tick Season in Colorado is here...and notes, "Altitude isn't a safeguard. Ticks can live at elevations up to about 10,000 feet."

Elimy Nutgrass and Megan Lynch with the US Forest Service encouraged forest users to practice safe camping practices and wildfire awareness. Nutgrass said, "We are featuring campfire safety and how to put out a campfire safely. We are teaching kids these practices with our interactive fire station and demonstrating pouring water on a campfire and making sure it is dead cold."

For a full listing of the Gunnison Parks and Recreation Department visit: https://www.gunnisonco.gov/departments/parks___recreation/index.php.

John Waters can be reached at jwaters@orourkemediagroup.com.