Updated 6-24-20 at 2:02 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – This year’s C.A.S.T. for Kids Smith Lake Park event is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 from 8 a.m.-noon. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to sign up soon. The event is free for participants.
The Tribune spoke with Coordinator Taylor Cain to learn more.
“C.A.S.T. for Kids is a national organization that gives children with special needs, ages 6 to 18, a chance to spend the day fishing. Some of the children have never been fishing, most have never been on a boat,” she said. “Each child is assigned their own boat captain for the day. They will receive everything needed for a day of fishing, a tackle box, fishing pole, bait, hat and a shirt. Once all the kids come in, they will receive lunch and then we have an awards ceremony where each child gets a plaque.”
Of the requirements to participate, Cain said, “The only requirements are for the child to have some form of special needs, and be between 6-18. All participants must have a guardian with them at all times during the day.”
She continued, “This is the second event at Smith Lake Park. We have been so very blessed by our community to make this event a success. We make this happen strictly on donations. Each event costs $3,500 and with that we are able to take 40 children fishing. We are so thankful for all the donations, volunteers and boat captains that make this event possible.”
C.A.S.T. for Kids released the following statement concerning its COVID-19 event policy and procedures:
The CAST for Kids Foundation will be holding all 2020 events in compliance with CDC, National, State and local guidelines for Covid-19. We will be following these guidelines for the safety, health and well-being of our participants, families, volunteers and staff. If we can hold an event according to state guidelines, as states phase in their re-opening, we will. However, our events may look different than they have in the past. Lunch and awards may be broken into separate groups to enhance social distancing. At a minimum, we will be implementing 6’ social distancing guidelines and the use of protective measures like masks and hand sanitizers. We are confident we have figured out how to provide a safe, relaxing, fun environment for everyone to enjoy at CAST for Kids events in 2020! However, it will be impossible to guarantee the safety of all CAST participants and volunteers. Please consider each of your individual risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic when making your decision to attend any CAST event.
For more information, visit CASTforKids.org/event/smithlakepark/ and www.Facebook.com/castforkidssmithlakepark/.
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