Smiles On the Sound
By Crystal Vernor
In Seattle, if it is not raining, it is a good day, just like it was on Saturday July 28th at the C.A.S.T. For Kids event in Des Moines WA. When I arrived at the Marina with freshly brewed coffee from Starbucks, the boaters were ready and waiting, getting there early in the anticipation of the day's events.
As the kids started to arrive, it created a frenzy of excitement for all; they were matched up with their boater captains and headed out to the salt waters of the Puget Sound. We took the kids out in two groups so that everyone would have a chance to get out on the water. While the second group waited, some kids made fish prints and others colored in fish pictures to keep them excited about the day. When it was their turn, they were on their way to find some of the fish they had just painted and colored.
Once everyone returned to the shore, we headed over to the park for the BBQ and awards ceremony. The kids were all smiles, for many this was their first time in a boat, and for most, this was their first time fishing. I asked some of the kids what they had caught, and did I get some great fish stories: They caught salmon, perch, and dogfish. When we called the kids and their boat captains up to the front to get their plaques and certificates, I couldn't tell who had more fun that day, the kids, their parents, or the boat captains for all were smiling ear to ear. By the end of the day everyone was exhausted and kept asking when would be we doing this again. It was a good day.
I would like to thank the Puget Sound Anglers for all of their help with this event, without them, this event would not be possible.
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