Welcome
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
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Join Us!
We welcome you to join, and consider giving a
membership to your favorite anglers to the
Otselic
Valley Fishing & Heritage Association.
Membership in this local non-profit organization
provides valuable support for the annual Fishing
Heritage Day in the hamlet of South Otselic. This
special one-day event calls public attention to the
history of recreational fishing and its related
industry when the Gladding Fishing Line Co., started
in 1816, was the world's largest fishing line
manufacturer. Also, since 1932, the State of New
York has operated one of its twelve fish hatcheries
in South Otselic. Click on "Become a Member" and
join with others interested in preserving this part
of our American heritage, by educating young and old
alike to the healthy outdoor world of fishing.
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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.
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FISHING HERITAGE DAY 2011
Fishing Heritage Day 2011 was
held on Saturday, May 21 from 9 am to 4 pm. Like the first two years,
the event took place at the State Fish Hatchery and the Town Park in
South Otselic, NY. New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation personnel, with the assistance of Trout Unlimited
volunteers, conducted trout fishing clinics for approximately 200
beginning anglers, while on-site staff conducted tours of the hatchery
facilities. There were special exhibitors with displays in the hatchery
building as well. In the Town Park, a variety of vendors displayed and
sold locally made crafts, artwork and antiques, while two musical groups
performed under the picnic pavilion. Gladding Braided Products
demonstrated a vintage braiding machine and sold various rope products
manufactured in their South Otselic facility. Food and drinks were sold
by local nonprofit organizations, and the Otselic Valley, while the
Grange sold out their popular beef barbecue luncheon. They also hosted
once again, their community-wide garage sales. Two different offerings
this year included visits by Binghamton's Ross Park Zoomobile and the
Chenango County Sheriff's K9 unit.
The event proved once again
to be an excellent opportunity for families to come and enjoy the
outdoors while learning about the area's historic tie to the sport
fishing industry. For more information on how to be a member of the
Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association or to participate as a
vendor or sponsor in next year's event, please see the links on this
website or call 315-653-7490.
On
March 25, Board
members of the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association received
$1,000 in grant funding from the New York State Council on the Arts,
administered by the Chenango County Council of the Arts. The funding
will be used specifically in support of two musical performances in the
town park during South Otselic's 3rd Annual Fishing Heritage Day. From
10 am to 12 pm, Triple Threat Quartet will again perform at the picnic
pavilion. Then, beginning at 1:30 pm, Out of the Woodwork will perform
until 3:30. Fishing Heritage Day begins at 9 am and ends at 4 pm, with
activities at the town park as well as the state fish hatchery.
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