The Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCDD) and the Clermont DD Empowers Me non-profit board will host a Catfishing Tournament at East Fork Lake September 12 and 13, 2015.
The event is open to the public and all ages. It will kick off on Saturday, September 12 at 8 a.m. and ends promptly at 6 p.m. Sunday, September 13.
James Taylor, CCDD Safety and Facilities Coordinator, is serving as the Tournament Director because he wanted to be part of planning something that was a new experience for CCDD.
“Fishing is available from the bank or by boat for the duration of the tournament,” said Taylor. “This is a family-friendly event. Everyone is invited to participate.”
Classes/Categories are: $25, ages 16 and up for one day; $35 for two days; $13, age 16 and under for one day; $20 for two days.
Four winners will be determined every hour; the biggest fish in each class will receive a prize. A weigh station will be available on both sides of the lake for easy access to all participating.
Fishing licenses are required to participate. For those who need to purchase a license, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife will be open and available all weekend.
Tournament registration is now open and will be available until 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 13. Participants can register online at www.empowersmeboard.org or in person Monday through Friday at CCDD’s Wildey Center, 2040 US Highway 50, Batavia (one mile west of Owensville). Anyone registering in person may do so between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each weekday.
Vendors are invited to participate as well. Everyone from food vendors to local crafters are welcome and will be able to set up on either side of East Fork Lake.
To learn more about becoming a vendor, contact Janie Pfankuch at 513-732-4922 or jpfankuch@clermontdd.org. Vendor forms are also available at the Wildey Center location.
“Proceeds of the event will go to programs and services at CCDD,” said Taylor. “We just want families to have a great time and enjoy the outdoors.”
Additional information can be found at www.empowersmeboard.org or by contacting ldavis@clermontdd.org.