3 minute read
Vamos a Pescar, Let's Go Fishing
When Frank Garcia’s father, an area farmer made a last request to go fishing with the entire family while recovering from a heart bypass surgery, Frank and his wife Christy Martinez-Garcia agreed to organize a family fishing event. Sadly, Gonzalo Garcia Sr., died the next morning. For several years Frank struggled with the loss of his dad. Until one day his wife Christy suggested that they fulfill that last request to go fishing by holding a community-wide fishing event for dads in the community and their children. "My daddy's work as a farmer often prevented him from getting to participate in family outings and activities. Knowing that many families are often busy, we decided to use fishing as a hook to bring families together," said Frank Garcia, the event CoChair. Christy said that her fathers-in-law’s last words to them were, “Vamos a Pescar, let’s go fishing,” which prompted the name of their event. With the help of many friends and organizations, in 2009, they coordinated the “Vamos a Pescar, Let’s Go Fishing," event bring families together. The event was deemed to be free, no license, no registration fee, no cost for lunch – as to not hinder families, or discourage their participation in the event. The event was a hit and participants of all backgrounds. “Our objective is strengthening families, building community,” said Christy. The attendance grows annually, remaining FREE, and encouraging families to enjoy the great outdoors before they return to school. Also, on the day of the fishing event – participants do not need a fishing license, receive a free lunch and activities, have access to loaner poles, and, fish at a clean lake that the volunteers clean themselves. More so, the lake is also stocked. “We can’t guarantee they’ll catch fish but do guarantee they’ll have a great time and make lasting memories,” concluded Frank. Despite last year's event having to be cancelled due to the pandemic, 2021 will be even more exciting. "We've missed families that have been coming for years, and we know personally that tomorrow is not promised so we are
Copyright 2021 by Latino Lubbock Magazine
really encouraging families to join us," said Frank who lost three siblings from October 2020 to 21. Christy said that like many families they were impacted by COVID-19 and that between her and Frank they lost six family members to covid. "Many area families experienced losses yet have demonstrated resilience. This event was created to never take those we love for granted and we want to invite families to take the time and join us," she said adding that families from children, to parents, to cousins, to grandparents, to uncles and aunts to a family friends! She said that the committee is taking many steps to assure that it is safe and will have the necessary items in place including hand sanitizing stations and masks for those who want them. Further, she said that the event remains FREE thanks to the support of sponsors, and Los Hermanos Familia's fund-raising event, which were disrupted last year. "Regardless, this event is special and we are trying to create an event that brings some normality and is safe." "We can't do this without the support of many, and we appreciate how committed everyone is to quality of life for families," she added. Martinez-Garcia, the event chair, said they will have fishing, games and activities for the kids, free lunch and a comfortable environment. “Time with family is precious… and our event was done to encourage families to value that time, as well as the sport of fishing,” said Frank Garcia. The fishing event continues to grow and appeal to families and future anglers.
INFO BOX
• Pre-register at www.loshermanosfamilia.org • Event is FREE • No fishing license is required • Lake is stocked with hungry catfish • Limited loaner poles • Fishing is from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Held at Buddy Holly Lake at N. University & Cesar Chavez Drive • Free lunch • Swag bags for first 500 adults, first 500 children
PRESENTS
12
“ Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. ” ~ Matthew 4: 19
2021
August 7, 2021
pole
Pre-Register Online at
For more information, please call (806)792-1212 Angler Sponsor
Fishermen Sponsor
1
Fishing Friends Sponsor
Frankie's Friends
Marcos Belgara & Family Texas Melon Exchange/McWhirter Farms July/julio 2021, Vol. 15, Issue 7
Page 13
