"Vamos a Pescar, Let's Go Fishing " Join Us on August 5th

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.

"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 Co-Chair.

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.

They continue to restore attendance, post covid, offering a family fun day of fishing and community. And even though the economy has created some challenges, Los Hermanos Familia plans to make the event a vacation-like activity for those in attendance.

"We want participants to come and have fun and not worry about cost... it's free for families," said Frank.

"This event was created to expereince a vacation in your own backyard. We offer activities, and demonstrate fishing as a hook to bring toether the entire family," added Christy.

"It's important for particpants to come and strengthen their relationship sitting around - fishing, talking, and having peaceful time in the great outdoors," she said adding that families include children, parents, cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts to family friends who LHF encourage to attend together.

Christy said reinforced that the event remains FREE thanks to the support of sponsors like this year's Titel Sponsor the Liggett Law Group, P.C., and many others who partenr with Los Hermanos Familia to celebrate family and community.

"This event is special and we are trying to create an environment that is safe, fun and worry-free."

"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.

“We use fishing as a hook to bring families together, ” said Frank Garcia. They encouraged families to register online up to the event on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at their website www. loshermanosfamilia.org.

INFO BOX

• Pre-register at www.loshermanosfamilia. org

• Event is FREE

• No fishing license is required

• Lake is stocked with hungry catfish

• Bring the entire family

• Fishing is from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Held at Buddy Holly Lake at N. University & Cesar Chavez Drive

• Free lunch until it lasts.

• Swag bags for first 500 adults, first 500 children

CIRCLING BACK: Chino Chapa is an award-winning communications and marketing professional who has been involved in national media relations, marketing consulting, and corporate advocacy issues for more than 25 years. Chino took time to speak with his alumni fraternity, TKE at Texas Tech, during his recent visit to Lubbock, about the importance of academics and focusing on their grades. Way to go from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

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