Left to right: CAL FIRE/Gridley Fire Department Alex Kline, Battalion Chief Mike Conaty, and Gridley police Departments Officer Lopez were on hand to support Gridley Parks and Recreation. Here they pose with two lucky raffle winners.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Locals turned out bright and early Saturday morning to Bone Yard Pond at Gray Lodge for some family fishing fun courtesy of Gridley Parks and Recreation.

The 23rd annual Kids Fishing Day returned Saturday May 11, inviting children to fish until their hearts content or 11:30 am, when the event ended.  The pond was stocked with 1,000 pounds of catfish to ensure the little ones would get one on the line. For those that didn’t have their own, poles were available to check out and free bait was provided. Ashley Ayala of Gridley Parks and Recreation said that over 10,000 nightcrawlers were ordered!

 Gridley Parks and Recreation Director Ashley Ayala (center) reads off the ticket number for the prize drawing.

Gridley Lions Club served complimentary barbecued hotdogs, chips and drinks, while members of CALFIRE educated and ensured the safety of participants and refreshed bait with the Simpson University Bass Team.

Gridley Parks and Recreation raffled off 88 prizes and the two lucky anglers with the biggest catches of the day won bikes.

Ayala says, “A special thank you to our partners and sponsors – we truly could not have done it without you! From the Simpson University Bass Team coming out, to all the prizes/donations received from businesses in our community, we are incredibly thankful for the support! A BIG shout out to Gray Lodge Wildlife Staff, Alex from CALFIRE and our beloved Gridley Lions Club – we are blessed to have you all!”

Parks and Rec encourages everyone to continue to fish the Bone Yard Pond as it is still well stocked with fish. Just make sure to have your fishing licenses as per law.

 The Gridley Lions Club voluntarily provided a free lunch for the 23rd annual Kids Fishing Day.