Not About The Catch: Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo Held In North Escambia

May 2, 2010

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“I caught one! I caught one!”

The sounds of excitement were all around Saturday for the 36th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill.

pen-wheels-029.jpgOver the 35 year history of the fishing rodeo, it has been held at locations ranging from Ft. Pickens to the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola. Since 2001, it has been held at Jantz’s Catfish Pond on South Highway 99, just off Highway 97.

Dozens of volunteers stood ready Saturday to help the disabled fish. They baited hooks, tossed a line and offered words of friendly encouragement. Many of the volunteers were from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.

About 60 disabled people were registered in Saturday’s fishing rodeo. They were from around the area, including Pensacola and Century. Several residents from the Century Care Center participated. Everything, including lunch, in Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization.

For the Century Center residents, a morning snack of sardines on Ritz crackers and Vienna sausage brought memories of fishing trips gone by.

“They love sardines and Vienna sausage when they fish,” said Century Care Center Activities Director Mae Hildreth. “This is what they remember having on their fishing trips; they just love it.”

For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.

Pictured: Scenes from the 36th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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Comments

5 Responses to “Not About The Catch: Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo Held In North Escambia”

  1. Uv Gotoo B. Kiddingme on May 3rd, 2010 8:54 am

    This is wonderful. Why didn’t I hear about it before the story? Do they not advertise or is it just for folks in certain disability gorups? I know some kids that would really have enjoyed that, but we simply didn’t hear about it.

  2. former band guy on May 2nd, 2010 6:53 pm

    this is a great thing every year. It makes so many people happy! it makes me smile to see all so happy.

  3. rollingwiththetide on May 2nd, 2010 12:57 pm

    My heart is smiling!
    Thanks so very much…
    ✿✿✿~ have a happy day~✿✿✿

  4. AL on May 2nd, 2010 10:02 am

    Very cool!

  5. Diddleysquat on May 2nd, 2010 5:49 am

    Beautiful!!!