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

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.
 

FISHING HERITAGE DAY 2014

The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA), in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, will be hosting the sixth annual Fishing Heritage Day. This year's event will kick off on Friday evening, May 16, with a fish dinner at the Georgetown Fire Hall, starting at 5 pm. On Saturday, May 17 the main event will take place at both the State Fish Hatchery and the Otselic Town Park in South Otselic, NY. One of this year's special features include 3 sets of music performers scheduled throughout the day in the Town Park. Also, from 12pm-3pm the Zoomobile from Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton will showcase a selection of live animals by the Town Hall. The U.S. Postal Service will also be introducing the 2014 special stamp cancellation, featuring a design by local artist Betsy Jensen. As in previous years, there will be several non-profit organizations along with various arts, crafts and antiques for sale in the Town Park, while food and drink offerings will be made available by local nonprofit organizations.

Nearby, at the First Baptist Church, special weaving and spinning demonstrations, will be ongoing, while next door, Gladding Braided Products plans to demonstrate one of their vintage braiding machines. At the Otselic Valley Grange, guest author John Taibi, will present a 1-hour program entitled Rails, Rods, Creels and Reels, illustrating the association between railroading and the region's rivers and lakes. The program will begin at 11am, the same time as the Grange's beef barbecue luncheon. Once again, the Grange will host the annual, community-wide garage sales.

In addition to the trout fishing clinics, and tours of the hatchery facilities, fishing educator Mike Riordan of Central Square, NY will again present several program activities aimed at helping young anglers and their parents learn the basics of fishing, while Gary Romanic will be providing fly casting instruction next to the hatchery facility. At the South Otselic Fire Department Auxiliary, there will be an open house hosted by the Auxiliary.

During the past five years, Fishing Heritage Day has provided a great opportunity for hundreds of families to enjoy the heritage of this historic community, with its tie to the sport fishing industry. We hope you will join us for this annual celebration of South Otselic's sport-fishing heritage. For information on how to become a member of the OVF&HA, or to participate as a vendor or sponsor, please see the links on this website or call 315-653-7490.