Eventgoers had the opportunity to participate in hands-on fishing workshops at The Family Fish & Wildlife Festival on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Prado Regional Park in Chino.
The San Bernardino County Fish & Game Commission hosted its second annual Family Fish & Wildlife Festival at Prado Regional Park in Chino on Saturday, June 10 attracting about 2,500 visitors along with more than 40 vendors to the daylong event.
In collaboration with Regional Parks, the County Museum, and sponsorships by Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman, Bass Pro Shops, and the Hesperia Recreation & Park District, the family-friendly event provided hands-on fishing workshops, live demonstrations, animal exhibits, food trucks, live music from The Amazing Tonebenders, and arts & crafts. Community resources organizations, such as Bee Rooted, Healthy Chino, and Inland Empire Resource Conservation District also engaged eventgoers with information and activities.
From rod casting demonstrations, to fly tying demos and fishing, eventgoers were kept busy while learning new outdoor skills that combine hand and eye coordination. Many who attended had never experienced outdoor activities that included fishing or archery before and were taken in by the learning experience the event provided.
A popular booth from The Loma Linda University Earth & Bio Department brought various types of live snakes for kids to inspect and handle. Many San Bernardino County departments were also on-hand to provide information on programs and services. Animal Care offered pet adoptions and County Fire Search & Rescue brought in their search canines for the event. The mascot Eddie the Eagle was also promoting gun safety tips.
At the sponsor Bass Pro Shop booth, eventgoers got a chance to win a $25 gift card. Bass Pro donated $1,000 worth of $25 gift cards distributed at their booth during the event.
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife also supplied fishing rods and catfish for the event. There were many prizes and merchandise giveaways by all the other vendors.
“With the support of Turner’s Outdoorsman and Chino Valley Unified School Board we were able to attract over 2,500 people, in particular lots of kids, many learning to fish for the first time,” said Gregg Fresonke, Fourth District Fish and Game Commissioner.
“The 2023 Family Fish & Wildlife Festival exceeded the expectations of every vendor participating. All have committed to the 2024 Fish & Game Commission event and we expect even more to come along with a wider selection of food vendors next year as we get families into the parks, learning to enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.”
The festival aims to introduce families to outdoor recreation activities, such as fishing, archery, hiking, shooting, and wildlife education. The event also provides opportunities for eventgoers to connect with community resources located within San Bernardino County.
