| Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley Outdoor Guide- Fishing, Hunting and everything outdoors...... | |
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| Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley Outdoor Guide- Fishing, Hunting and everything outdoors...... | |
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Home Sporting Goods, Bait and Tackle Hunting Stories and Information Fishing
Stories
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FIFTH
ANNUAL "CASTING FOR A CURE"
“We had great weather and a lot of eager kids who told us with every smile just how much this means to them,” said Steve McCadams, spokesman for the rodeo. “Each year I relive fond memories of this place where some 44 years ago I was fishing under some of the same shade trees and participating in a rodeo.” “This year, thanks to folks who opened up their hearts and their pocketbooks, we’ll again make a nice contribution to the American Cancer Society,” continued McCadams, himself a cancer survivor. “Our rodeo will generate around $8,000 for ACS, including the Henry School’s Relay For Life team donation tonight at the fairgrounds. I’m thrilled about that for more reasons than one!” “What a great event for this community,” said Jamie Davis, representing the American Cancer Society’s Jackson office. “Thanks to all of you for supporting this with your time, effort, and dollars. ACS currently funds four research grants at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital totaling $1,309,000 and we host Camp Horizon, Tennessee’s special summer camp for children ages 6-17 who have or have had cancer.” “Cancer is still the leading cause of death from disease in children younger than 15 years of age. However, thanks to events like this, death rates from childhood cancer have declined since 1975 by 49 percent,” continued Davis. Youngsters tested the waters of Carroll Lake where bluegill, catfish, crappie, and a few redear sunfish greeted them. From crickets to redworms, the kids offered a buffet of baits in hopes of tempting a bite or two.
This year’s grand prize was a two-man boat and trolling motor given away at random, courtesy of Rural King. The McKenzie Bass Club held a CastingKids contest too, sending winners to state competition in Nashville early next year. “Each year this event brings folks together to help introduce kids to fishing while fighting a terrible disease. I rekindle old friendships here and discover new ones from families I never knew were victims of cancer. Bad things happen to good people sometimes yet it’s ironic how life’s setbacks often bring folks together that otherwise might never have teamed up.” “Cancer affects all of us in some way. I’m a cancer survivor and many members of my family have been touched by it too. My cousins, uncles, father-n-law, sister-n-law, and grandmother had cancer. And, for the many who are battling the disease today and those who didn’t overcome it, this event is for them”. This year’s event had 280 kids participating from four states. Some 2,000 kids have fished in the event during its 5-year history. The award to the longest traveler went to a youngster from New Jersey. The youngest was a six-week old girl! As part of National Fishing Week across America, the rodeo helps celebrate the great sport of fishing. A tip of the hat to TWRA, rodeo donors, and all those adults who took the time to bring the youngsters to the popular event. Plans are already underway for next year’s rodeo! Steve McCadams |
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The Fifth Annual Steve McCadams “Casting For A Cure” Kids Fishing
Rodeo last Saturday at Carroll Lake netted both big bucks and small fish.
It was another successful event for young anglers who help fight fish and
cancer at the same time.
“There were a few hooks lost and a line or two tangled but all in all,
the kids were great and had a lot of patience. We gave away several
prizes, ranging from bicycles and plaques to each of the winners of big
and most fish in four separate age brackets to tackle boxes, fishing
poles, and more,” continued McCadams.