Hooked on Fishing
Annual event promotes healthy lifestyle
ELKINS — Spring is in the air and temperatures are on the rise. This weekend brought warm temperatures to the area just in time for Randolph County’s Hooked On Fishing Not on Drugs Expo, an annual event that was created in 1994 with a mission to deter children and teens away from drugs and alcohol and encourage them to participate in
outdoor activities, such as fishing.
“I would like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers, the reason why we do this is for the kids to help them enjoy the outdoor lifestyle instead of the drug lifestyle,” said Robyn Miller, a HOFNOD committee member and volunteer.
Hooked on Fishing Not On Drugs was again hosted at the gymnasium at Elkins High School on Saturday and Sunday and showcased live entertainment, games, information booths and even a fishing pole drawing.
More than 1,000 fishing poles were given away at this year’s Expo. About 5,000 people from all over the area came and participated in this year’s event.
“I think that it was a great Expo with a great turnout,” Miller said. “The parking lot of the high school was filled to the max at one point.”
HOFNOD is funded by local merchants and organizations from around the area. Around 30 volunteers assisted this year, Miller said.
The Expo offered copious amounts of activities for the youth to participate, with events geared toward outdoor activities and drug awareness.
“It’s to find another activity instead of drugs, and we are pushing fishing and the outdoors,” Miller said.
More than 50 booths were set up throughout the gymnasium for patrons to interact with and enjoy. A Let’s Go Fishing Pond was located in the courtyard of Elkins High School, and children were able to cast a line into the catch-and-release pond and try and hook a live fish. Also sat up in the courtyard was a dunking booth. Participants could purchase three balls for $1 and try to dunk whomever was in the tank.
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center offered balloon making, while several booths had an array of special games that yielded prizes for the children.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the Elkins City Police also were in attendance. Both set up booths where they handed out balloons, stickers, coloring books, crayons, pencils and other materials geared at discouraging drug use.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department slogan for this year’s event was, “Be the best that you can be … be drug free.” Patrons also were encouraged to sign up for special prize drawings sponsored by various groups.
J.J. Outdoors joined the Expo this year and showcased their video hunting magazine. The National Guard provided a rock climbing wall, and a zip line also was available for a fee.
Neal James “The Turtleman’s” (Ernie’s) right hand man from the TV show “Call of the Wildman” attended this year’s Expo. James was at The Warrior in The Fields booth, where he was signing autographs and posing pictures. James is an expert in banjo playing from Kentucky. He performed during the Expo on Saturday, with Joe Danger from WDNE. Their musical rendition of “Country Roads” got the crowd to join in and sing.
Throughout the two days, there were several other live performances. Michael Bonnett and Tommy Croston from Michael Bonnett & River’s Edge took to the stage on Saturday, performing their original songs.
“Neal James was a highlight of the weekend, and so was Michael Bonnett,” Miller said.
Other live performances during the Expo were The Soda Pop Gypsy’s, Marissa Mallow, Total Training Tumblers and Gracie Metheny.
A silent auction also was held during the Expo to generate funds for the event.