Lake Gladewater

Young and Old Find Special Thrill's at Gladewater

By: Art Pasley

Once again, C.A.S.T. for Kids was asked to participate in the East Texas Fall NRA Sports Fest hosted by POWER INC. Each year they provide a day of fun, fishing and food for people with disabilities. The program began three years ago and has continued to grow each year, providing activities such as water skiing, mountain climbing, horseback riding and much more to people with disabilities. Event organizer, Judy Moffett, works tirelessly each year bringing volunteer groups from around Texas and Louisiana together to help with this very successful program.
  This year, C.A.S.T. added a new event in conjunction with the existing shoreline fishing activity, target casting. "This is much harder than it looks" stated Heather, as her father encouraged her to keep trying. "I bet I can do it" and "I can't wait for my turn" was heard as each fishing participant entered the C.A.S.T. fishing area. I have to admit, it's much more difficult than I had expected. A 36" diameter tub sitting 50' away and trying to put a hookless Zell Rowland Zara Spook in the tub.
  Thanks to our friends from Jasper Texas, we had 12 Plano Tackle boxes to give away as prizes for hitting the target. Anyone need a tackle box? Just kidding, but it was a lot of fun watching as everyone took their turn at the tub.
  As you can see from the pictures, we had a wide range of ages participating at this event. One of my all time favorites is a very young at heart older lady in a wheelchair that, as she left the fishing area, shook my hand and said, "Thanks, I needed that". "Well ma'am, I'm glad you stopped by", I stated, as I respectfully took her words of gratitude and praise for what turned out to be another "Special Thrill Maker" Day in Gladewater Texas.

(Click on a picture to enlarge)