Something's fishy...

Living in Rural America is more than just farming chores as locals look forward to their area’s community events. Last weekend one such event took place just down the road from us in Coon Valley which just happens to also have the infamous Coon Creek known to all trout anglers and thus the perfect venue for ‘Family Trout Day.’

All day long there were activities starting out with kid fishing competitions after domestic trout were released upstream. One little five year old beamed as he announced to me that he had caught all 3 kinds of trout - Rainbow, Brown and I can’t for the life of me remember the third. I also learned that domestic (raised) fish are slower and less picky about food? Hey anglers will take any advantage they can! There was also a bobber race, cast flying instruction, informational fishing booths, food and of course fish paraphernalia for sale along with some crafters and home

businesses. Local bands provided great music to enjoy a beverage, snack and visit. People are real friendly and anxious to visit. After admiring this gal's 'trout' hat she shared its story. You see her husband gave it to her as a 30th birthday gift. She quickly pried open the trout's mouth searching for that hidden 'jewelry 'gift only to discover that there was none. Gee what was she thinking - what else could a fishermen's wife want??? She added, well he did take her out for a nice dinner. I wonder if it was a fish place???

The only problem was that the weather didn’t really cooperate as it rained off and on all morning – poor kids. Some braved the dark clouds and rain just like our newest fisherman in the family Cameron. His Mom Jolene schlepped all 4 kids to participate in the rainy morning’s activities but many more people didn’t brave the morning rains and were fair weather friends perhaps like me showing up in the afternoon.

Natureman always comments that local events are an opportunity to rub elbows with all types of people in our community … Heck it’s just good to see one’s neighbors and especially to celebrate that joy to be out of doors after the seclusion of cold Wisconsin winters in the End of the Rainbow Valley…