Date: June 5th, 2007

North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest
Reno “Jay” Reda, Primary Contact
Phone: (330) 802-9169 or the
LEMTA Office: (440) 899-5009

8th Annual Boating & Fishing Fest,
Downtown Cleveland’s Free Family Event, Docks June 9-10

Cleveland, Ohio – May 2007 – The 8th annual North Coast Harbor Boating & Fishing Fest drops anchor in downtown Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor, behind the world-famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, June 9 – 10. The free fest is jam packed with safe boating and fishing activities for kids, including free 30-minute boat rides, free perch fishing aboard the Holiday and casting lessons for all ages from professional anglers, and hundreds of giveaways for kids, such as lifejackets and all kinds of youth fishing tackle. Plus, don’t miss the Great Lakes’ pirate, Capt’n Willie, who will bring his own unique brand of nautical entertainment to the fest.

Funded entirely through grants and donations, the free Lake Erie-shore event is designed to introduce families and children, of all ages and backgrounds, to the joys and ease of boating and fishing. With Lake Erie being so accessible to all Ohioans, inexpensive and enjoyable family-centered boating and fishing opportunities are plentiful. The fest will also help draw attention to what is considered one of the finest fisheries in the world and will showcase the many opportunities the Cleveland lakefront has to offer as a tourist destination for fishing.

“Hearing the excitement in their voices and seeing the look on kids’ faces when they catch a fish for the first time, even just a small one, is awesome,” says Reno “Jay” Reda, an officer of Ohio’s Division of Wildlife, a fest participant and sponsor. “That’s what this event is about. Giving kids and families the chance to get out on the water and experience how fantastic lake activities can be!”

Other event features include: a NASCAR Busch series racing car from the Braun Racing team; free tours of the Grandon, one of two Division of Wildlife Lake Erie research vessels; many interactive fishing-related activities for young people; appearances by Pirate Pete, the safety parrot, and Coastie, the US Coast Guard’s talking safety boat; plenty of food vendors selling a variety of festival food; and many more booth and tent displays.

Festival hours are Saturday, June 9, 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday, June 10, 11 am – 5 pm. Admission and all activities are FREE. The event is located in downtown Cleveland, directly behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information, visit www.BoatingFest.com or contact Reno “Jay” Reda at (330) 802-9169. Jay will be in the Cleveland area today (Tuesday, June 5th) and Thursday, June 7th for any sound bites, stand ups or quick interviews related to the upcoming event.