On most days, the zipline at Broadway’s Heritage Park is the highlight for kids, but on one Saturday in spring, the banks of Linville Creek draw around 300 young anglers for a day of stocked fishing – 150 trout – mostly rainbow, some brown, and twelve goldens. For over fifteen years, Mary Byrd, owner of Carpet Tech of Virginia in Broadway, has organized a fishing day in memory of her first husband Gary Post, who tragically lost his life in 2007 while on a family trip. Mr. Post was a loving husband, son, and father. He was a well-respected local businessman and outdoor enthusiast – a fisherman, of course! Providing exposure for children to the wonderful world of fishing honors Gary’s legacy in an otherwise painful situation that leaves many questions about a life taken too soon.
From 8 until about 1:30, the event has much to offer kids 12 and under, well supported by the community, businesses, and local government. The trout are purchased with donations at a great price from the good folks at Orndorff’s Rainbow Trout Farm in Maurertown. The Department of Wildlife Resources, Department of Game and Inland Fishers, and Broadway Police Department all get involved.
Mary says, “We have parents who are wearing the hats that they got when they were little kids, and now they’re bringing their kids back. A lot of kids that have aged out [of the program] come back and help out the next year. This year we had an amazing number of volunteers and sponsors – almost three times more in sponsors because of the effort that Broadway Hometown Partnership did! Everything is totally donated, just phenomenal output from the community and from businesses.” So many businesses donate gift certificates that Mother’s Day gift baskets were put together for the first time; the proceeds from that raffle will go to fund next year’s kids’ fishing day. Broadway Lions Club put up the tent. Home Depot is a new sponsor this year, providing wooden sailboat projects to put together.
This year, Saturday, April 26, was the big day. The three local elementary schools are notified ahead of time – Fulks Run, Plains, and John C. Myers. Light rain showers competed with the sun all morning long, but fair weather prevailed for a pleasant occasion. Mary reflects, “One year the creek was too high, we couldn’t put the fish in – it was rushing!” When asked about her favorite part of the day, she smiles “I love watching the kids bring the fish in. When they catch these goldens, they get so excited.”
As the day kicks off, the field parking across Turner Avenue fills up, and families get set up all along the creek from one end of the park to the other. Spectators line the walking bridge – fishing is not allowed off the bridge. Mikey and Heather Custer brought 4-year-old Nova, who caught not one but two goldens! Everyone who scores a golden trout wins a fishing pole adorned with a gold-colored bow. Lilly Odom also caught two goldens! Door prizes – tackleboxes and other fine gifts – are announced via loudspeaker along the track. Volunteers provide a free lunch to the children; adults pay a small fee. The goody bags are quite the loot – Dominoes provides the bag, a coupon and certificate for their store, DGIF gives an assortment including fish bags printed with a measuring ruler and an attractive poster of native Virginia fish, there’s a book in each bag from the Green Valley Book Fair, and Showalter’s Apple Orchard provides goldfish snacks. With sponsorship money, jig heads are added to the bag, as well as quality embroidered trucker hats by Muddy Feet Graphics with “Gary E. Post Annual Kids Fishing Day” stitched in orange.
Mary is surrounded by several faithful friends who help make the day a success. At registration, Karen Klasnick greets participants with contagious enthusiasm and explains all the ropes in an accommodating way. Destry Thomas, retired from Rockingham Parks and Recreation, experienced with fishing days and recruiting sponsorships, helps every year. (He was instrumental in creating the former Silver Lake fishing day that drew 700-800 kids!) Another invaluable volunteer, Ceci Esposito enjoys the reactions of kids when the fish are reeled in. She shares, “I’m not a fisherman, but I like when the children have that smile and surprise on their face when they catch it. If they’ve won a prize, it’s pure joy.” Grins broke out among everyone who saw little Easton Rice drag his loaded stringer triumphantly across the grass.
As the clock strikes one, kids are instructed to bring their fish to be measured. Mary explains, “We have amazing prizes for all the first and second place boy and girl, and for the first golden trout.” The citation of reeling in the first golden belongs to Kenara Layman, measuring 16 ½”. The longest boys first place was awarded to Noah Galloway; longest girls first place Cheyanne Hardbarger. The longest boys second place awarded to Jordan Breighner; longest girls second place Lilly Odom. Each of these four winners received a customized lawn chair bearing the title, “Fishing Champion Gary Post Kids Fishing Day 2025” by ENS Graphics, a wood burned log plaque by Muddy Feet, a fishing pole, fishing backpack, and a Dairy Queen ice cream cake coupon!
In an uncertain world flooded with difficulties, a good old fashioned fishing day provides so much joy and opportunity for many young people in our community. Skills are honed, competition is enjoyed, generous gifts brighten the days of many young people, and kids of all ages visit their neighbors in the sunshine. Be sure to catch this golden opportunity next year!
