Story by Kay and Jack Danchak
GRAHAMSVILLE – On Saturday September 8, the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County hosted its 16th Annual Youth Outdoor Expo at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds. More than 235 youngsters and supervising adults participated in a day of hands-on activities.
In the Federation building, youngsters played Plinko, learned the art of turkey calling. They shot the Red Dot Lazer gun and viewed mounts from Rod’s Taxidermy and Camo Skulls from Custom Skulls.
Due to the threat of severe storms, all events except the Upper Delaware Trout Unlimited fly tyers and casting were located in various buildings. An L.L.Bean Fly Cast Set was donated and won by Aiden Katz.
The BB Gun shoot was supervised by Carl Lindsley and Ed Loughrey. Next to them was the SC Archers with youngsters shooting bows and arrows at various animal statues. The SC Trappers had a display of traps and pelts and explained the art of trapping and the important benefits to nature. Knife Sharpening was held by the Grahamsville R&G club.
Dick Henry had a display of deer jaw bones and explained how to age deer. Jerry “The Snake Man” thrilled youngsters with his snake display. Pine Cone bird feeders were made. Brian Bunce let attendees have a picture with his Gyr Falcon. The Beanie Baby fishing pool was a hit with youngsters up to age 10. They all caught a prize.
There was a frog shoot, a washer toss, a sock clown toss and derby car painting. The National Park Service had a nice display supervised by Shannon Harding.
The trout pool was again the highlight until around noon when the lockjaw set in and the 140 trout refused to bite the tasty worms. The two 16-inch brown trout eluded all fisherchildren. The Beaverkill Trout Hatchery donated 10 palamino (Golden) trout, which were a pretty site swimming in the pool.
Stonewall Farms had farm animals and coonhounds of various ages to pet. Some of the small puppies went to some new homes after the event. Bob and Ethan Morgan brought goats and other animals for petting. Ethan, the Federation “2011 Junior Sportsman” handed out Bi-Color Oak seedlings to all youths.
C.O. Scott Steingart of the NYSDEC and his dog “Buck” demonstrated and subdued NY State Trooper Charlie Kaplan. Horseback rides were provided by Janice and Denise Diehl and Marilyn Peters. The NYS Masons had their Child ID Computers set up and many youngsters updated their IDs or had new ones done. Face Painting, tattoos, bracelet making and Duct Tape Wallet creations were a hit.
Annette Diehl had a constant line for her delicious Maple Syrup Cotton Candy. Hot dogs and chips were given out by volunteers at the Grahamsville Fire Company building. The rolls were donated by the Fish & Wildlife Coalition of the Hudson Valley/Catskills and Mike Paschall of Freihoffer. The Tri-Valley Lions donated the soda and handed out ice cream sandwiches that were donated by the Gillette Creamery in Gardiner.
With the impending threat of severe weather approaching, the events at the bleacher area were shortened. The Grahamsville First Aid squad did a mock automobile accident with the use of the SC Sheriff D.a.r.e. car. A victim was restrained and removed from the car and sent to the ambulance ready for a trip to the hospital. An ambulance walk through followed for the youths. Deputy Louis Alvarez held a question-and-answer period about the sheriff officer duties. Jack Danchak did a demo on the basics of fishing.
Chairperson Kay Danchak wishes to thank all the staff and volunteers who devoted their time to make this day a complete success. All children received a cap or t-shirt at registration and a goody bag at the end of the event.
Other donations and raffle prizes came from: Pat Voges, Cochecton Mills, Diehl Farm Maple Syrup, Dennis Muthig, Ed and Steve Loughrey, Hunter Lake of Bethel, Kuttin Klub Salon, Harris Myers, Tom’s Bait & Tackle, Carl Lindsley Honey, Harnett Designs, Fur, Fin & Feather Sport Shop, Sullivan County Democrat newspaper, Kristt Company, Everyday Apparel, Jeff Bank, Gary Terbush and Linda Loughrey.
Event Winners
Turkey Trot Turkey Call/Herb DeWitt – Emilio Riveria; BB Gun Shoot ages 4-5-6 - Karlee Diehl, ages 7-8-9 - Bricin McAndrew, ages 10-11-12 - Peter Bunchand, age 13-14-15 - Robert Totten and Carylee McCave. All winners received a Red Ryder BB Gun kit.
The Red Dot Lazer Gun Shoot – Leslie Rivera who received a Pink 22 cal Crickett and Jacob Wiener with a Camo 22 cal Crickett.
Frog Shoot – William Seward, Emily Bunch and Nick Juka.
Clown Sock Toss – Gianna Journet, Jacob Yager, Andy Carroll and Alyssa McCave.
Washer Toss – Abby Mentnech, Annabel Card, Emily Bunch and Kyra Platt.
Derby Car Races – Logan Milby, Aidan Healy, Brauk Hunt and Elizabeth Hannold. All winners received a goody bag.
Plinko – 1.Vincent Boch the fish pole combo and tackle box. 2. Nathan Bowers the Fishing Day on Hunter Lake in Bethel. 3. Layla Orsbourne the Red Ryder BB Gun and Coon Skin Cap. 4. Alyssa McCave the Mystery Duffel Bag full of assorted gifts.
