The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is a new, nonprofit organization with a stated purpose to:

• Provide opportunities for persons to learn the history of the region's role in sport fishing and the fishing line industry
• Develop fishing related skills, including awareness of fishing tackle and equipment, fish species, seasons, locations, and services
• Promote awareness and support for the region’s natural and historical resources, so as to help improve the quality of life for those who reside within the river valley and to encourage others to learn and appreciate its heritage and recreational resource opportunities

As the OVF&HA develops and matures, it is hoped that events such as the Fishing Heritage Day and other programs and projects will develop to raise awareness and appreciation for the history, as well as future opportunities within the scenic Otselic River Valley.
 

The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host the fifth annual Fishing Heritage Day. The free event will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 9 am to 4 pm at the State Fish Hatchery and the Otselic Town Park in South Otselic, NY. One of this year's special features for Fishing Heritage Day will include Remington Ryde, who will be performing throughout the day in the Town Park. Emerging as one of the hottest bluegrass bands, from Central Pennsylvania, they have released four albums and one single, “I’ll Wait for You,” that has been played by bluegrass radio stations throughout the country. Check their website at http://www.remingtonryde.com.  Another special guest will be Mary Jeanne Bialas, director of Victorian Whispers, a living history program focusing on the the impact of Victorian society and politics upon the fashions, gender roles, education, travel and transportation, social expectations, and life in general during the 1800's. Information on her program may be found at http://www.nyhumanities.org under Events for the month of May.

In addition to the trout fishing clinics, and tours of the hatchery facilities, fishing educator Mike Riordan of Central Square, NY will be offering several program activities aimed at helping kids and their parents learn the basics of fishing. Several non-profit organizations will again be located in the Town Park, along with a variety of vendors demonstrating and selling their crafts and artwork. Across the street, Gladding Braided Products, LLC will again exhibit one of their vintage braiding machines and offer various rope products for sale. Food and drinks will be provided by local nonprofit organizations, and the Otselic Valley Grange will host their community-wide garage sale and their beef barbecue luncheon at the nearby Grange Hall. The U.S. Postal Service will also introduce for sale, the 2013 special stamp cancellation, featuring the artwork of Otselic Valley Central School student Ryan Gillette, whose entry in last year's art contest, displayed at The Daily Grind, won the most votes.

Over the past four years, Fishing Heritage Day has welcomed hundreds of families to enjoy the heritage of this historic community, with its tie to the sport fishing industry. For more information on how to become a member of the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association, or to participate as a vendor or sponsor in this year's event, please see the links on this website or call 315-653-7490.