| CAST for Kids Longest Running Event
Celebrates 16th Year
By Jim Owens
C.A.S.T. Founder
The Central Washington CAST event, held on August 12th on Potholes Reservoir, marked its 16th year of giving special kids the special thrill of fishing. The first CAST event was held in 1991 at Banks Lake. It alternated for several years between Banks and Potholes until settling at Potholes three years ago. There were several people from the first event on hand to help us celebrate.
 Megan in 1991  Megan in 2006 |
One of those that were at our very first CAST event was Meghan Fritchy, one of our most favorite participants. Just 7 years old at the time, she has only missed one event over the 16 year period. We have watched Meghan, who has Cerebral Palsy, grow from an excited little girl fishing for her first time to a beautiful young woman with a part time job. We normally restrict our participants to 7-17 years of age, but we told Meghan she will always be welcome. It has been a joy to have her as part of CAST since its beginning.
Another person who was also at our first event was Marv Walker, one of our Boat Captains. He has also only missed one event. Marv has also attended every event we have held in Renton. That makes him 30 out of 31. Not a bad batting average. Others attending from our first event were Pat McBride, one of our original Board members; Jan Schrader, Bureau of Reclamation; Curtis Kron , Bureau of Reclamation; and my wife, Sue.
This year went was, in a lot of ways, like the first. We had great weather, but not too hot; great fishing, everyone caught fish; and great food provided by the Columbia Basin Job Corp. We also had an abundance of smiles and a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. It was a great day of fun and fellowship that will help point us to another 16 years of special thrills.
Special thankx to the Bureau of Reclamation for sponsorship and planning, and to Mike's Bait & Tackle Shop in Moses Lake, Dave Graybill, the Fishing Magician, the members of the Washington State Bass Federation, and all of the other individuals that gave of their time and themselves.
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