By Crystal Vernor
The weatherman predicted rain, and when I left my house the ground was already wet, I wondered what the day would bring. As I drove down the Renton's Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park where the event was held, the clouds in the sky look less menacing, and I knew the weatherman was going to be wrong as my day was starting to get a little bit brighter.
When I arrived at the park, the lineup of boats was building, and the volunteers where starting to arrive. With registration set up, the volunteers and boaters all check in, it was time for a quick meeting before the kids arrived to lay out the day. Pat McBride, a local C.A.S.T. For Kids board member, stepped in to help out as emcee of the event. As soon as the meeting was over, the Boat Captains headed out to the vehicles, and the volunteers got ready for action.
The kids, in anticipation, started arriving early, but we where prepared, they where checked in, and set on their way to grab their gear and get fitted with their life jackets. They then headed down to be loaded onto the awaiting boats to be launched into Lake Washington, and off to start their day of fishing.
With the kids gone, it was time to pack up and move over to the site where the BBQ was to be held. All the onshore volunteers helped set up again, for soon enough the kids would be returning hungry after their fishing adventure. The Auburn and Auburn Valley Kiwanis where all ready to go with the BBQ, it was hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone. As everyone ate, Pat grabbed the microphone and plaques where handed out. It was hard to tell who had bigger smiles on their faces as they came up to get their plaques, the kids or the boaters. After the awards ceremony, everyone was invited to head over to nearby docks to board the Waterways Cruises boat for ice cream. It was a great day, and not a drop of rain.
I would like to thank the sponsors who made this event possible, their names are listed below, and I would like to give a special thanks to all the volunteers and boaters who helped out at our event in Renton, we would not be able to do this event with out your help.
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