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ELKINS -- The annual Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs event will be held Saturday at the Phil Gainer Community Center.
Phil Gainer Community Center director Chris Lee said this year's HOFNOD will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and will feature many of the activities area residents have enjoyed over the years.
"We have a lot of the returning favorites this year, like the rock climbing wall, fishing pond, gemstone mine, archery tag, and fishing simulator," Lee told The Inter-Mountain.
"We also have a lot of the same vendors coming back from previous years. But one of the new things that we are really excited about is a mobile aquarium that will be set up outside the Gainer Center. It's a giant aquarium on a trailer that will be full of fish. It's something we haven't had before and we are really looking forward to it."
There is no cost to attend the event, and all the activities are focused on promoting outdoor recreation and educating local youth about the dangers of drug use.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Elkins City Police, Randolph County Sheriff's Office, West Virginia State Police, and the state DNR have all been a big part of the event over the years and will also be present at the 2024 HOFNOD
"With all of the problems we have with drug addiction, HOFNOD's message this day and age is so important," Lee said. "It's vital for us to plant the seed of recreation into kids' minds so that they have something better to do with their time.
"Local law enforcement agencies participate in the event every year and they will be doing some giveaways on their own again this year. They will also have some emergency vehicles for the kids to check out."
HOFNOD will also feature interactive games, performances from local dance groups, and giveaways. There will also be a s'mores station set up for kids.
"We have giveaways scheduled throughout the course of the day," Lee said. "We have around $5,000 in prizes to hand out, and some of the big ones include a pair of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. We will also be giving away a couple of bikes and all kinds of other outdoor recreation equipment."
Last year, more than 600 kids registered for door prizes, and more than 1,000 people attended HOFNOD.
"There's a long history of this event being a vital part of our community," Lee said. "The Elkins Parks and Recreation took it over a couple years ago and we want to make sure it continues to have a big impact moving forward. We want to make sure the event is for the kids and free for them. The HOFNOD Board of Directors have worked really hard to make sure this year's event is the best it can be."
The Randolph County Commission, Greenfield Cabinetry and the City of Elkins are sponsors for this year's event.