Kids Catch A Smile Day started in 1992 as a result of a column Gary Voet wrote in The Sacramento Bee. At the time he was a sportswriter, and covering the outdoors was one of his assignments. He wrote that there should be a special fishing day at a very accessible and safe place, for physically challenged children who don’t have the ability (but do have the desire) to go fishing like most of us.

After a positive response from that column, he started organizing a day that would not only involve fishing for the physically challenged children, but plenty of activities for their siblings and family. Clowns, wildlife exhibits, game booths, karaoke, magic and puppet shows, face-painting … a whole range of activities. Lunch is provided for the entire family, thanks to a generous donation from Raleys. When the physically challenged children leave, they are presented with a hat and duffel bag. The duffel bag is full of donated goodies from various organizations like the Kings, Monarchs, River Cats, Jelly Belly, etc. The trout they caught are also in the bag, cleaned and kept on ice.

It was to be a one-time event, but since all the volunteers - as well as the kids and families - had so much fun, it continued... this year’s Sacramento event will be the 20th. Another one was started in Modesto in 2004. And, due in large part to a very generous annual donation from the California Inland Fisheries Foundation, Kids Catch A Smile Day is insured a long and healthy life.

The Sacramento event (open to a maximum of 60 children aged 5-17) is held at the Aerojet complex in Rancho Cordova on Saturday, May 19, 2012. It is at the former corporate headquarters where there are running streams, cement walkways and flat grass, three large ponds where the trout are planted, and a cement overhang where the luncheon is staged. All around the ponds are games and activities.

The Modesto event will also be on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

AND IT IS ALL FREE!!

Click on the "play" button below to see a video of previous Kids Catch a Smile Days. Be sure to have your speakers on!

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