The following is a press release:
The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is proud to announce that on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the small rural community of South Otselic will host its second annual Fishing Heritage Day. Home to one of New York State’s 12 fish hatcheries, and the former B. F. Gladding Co., the scenic Otselic River flows through this northwestern Chenango County hamlet and its surrounding communities, farms and woodlands. OVF&HA is a newly formed nonprofit organization that stemmed from last year’s planning effort for South Otselic’s first Fishing Heritage Day.
The hamlet has a long history related to the sport of fishing. It has been home to the South Otselic Fish Culture Center for nearly 80 years, where tiger muskie and walleye are raised and then released into New York State rivers and lakes. The former B. F. Gladding Company, established in 1816 just outside the hamlet, employed some 200 people during its heyday, and eventually moved its manufacturing complex into South Otselic, along the river. Over the years, Gladding grew to become the largest, and eventually, the oldest fishing line manufacturer in the world, turning out what many anglers considered to be the highest quality lines available, and earning South Otselic the reputation as “the fishing line capital of the world“.
Building upon last year’s event, United Methodist minister Carl Johnson, who conceived the idea of this event, stated “We’re looking forward to our second Fishing Heritage Day to celebrate South Otselic’s past as home to a major fishing line industry, and as a long time neighbor of the State fish hatchery. Participation and attendance at last year’s event far exceeded our expectations, due in no small part to the local individuals who willingly lent their support. We were also fortunate to receive major assistance from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Chenango Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU), and valley-wide businesses and organizations. We are building on last year’s experience to make this event an enjoyable, memorable and educational tradition for all who attend. Of course, we’re blessed to be located in such a beautiful valley whose river literally flows through this hamlet“, added Reverend Johnson.
Some of the activities planned again for this year include tours of the fish hatchery’s operation and history, as well as a program entitled “Bugs In The Water”, which will be conducted by DEC’s Rogers Environmental Education Center. Two scheduled fishing clinics will again be held at one of the ponds, conducted jointly by DEC staff and TU volunteers, to familiarize school age anglers with techniques, tackle, species of fish, and casting instruction.
While these programs and related exhibits are taking place at the fish hatchery, artisans, crafters, antique dealers and others will be set up in the Town Park. A special exhibit on the former Gladding Fishing Line Co., from the Salmon River International Sport Fishing Museum in Pulaski, NY, is planned, and guest Peter Thompson, author of Freshwater Game Fish of North America: An Illustrated Guide, will be on hand to sell signed copies of his book. A new stamp cancellation will again be on sale by the U.S. Postal Service, while directly across the street, Gladding Braided Products, Inc. will host a special exhibit, and offer a selection of their manufactured rope products for sale.
In addition to the Fishing Heritage event, the Otselic Valley Grange will again host their annual community garage sale day, involving residents throughout the community. The Grange will also be offering their special beef barbecue luncheon, starting at 11 am at the Grange Hall, just a short walk from the Town Park. Other food sales will be available in the Town Park throughout the day, as well as at The Daily Grind, Donna’s Lunchbox, The Burgh, and the South Otselic Store during their regular business hours.
Prize drawings for sport fishing items will be held at the fishing clinic site for those who participate in that program, as well as a special drawing for new members who join the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association.
Admission to all activities is free, and parking is available at the hatchery, across from the Town Park, at the Otselic Valley Central School and elsewhere throughout the hamlet. To enhance public convenience, a free day-long bus shuttle will be available this year to transport visitors between the Town Park and the fish hatchery.
The public is welcome to come rain or shine and spend an enjoyable day with family and friends, as the residents of South Otselic welcome you to a glimpse of their historic past, while promoting the sport of recreational fishing.
For more information, see the event's web site.