King Lake was busy for the sixth annual Vamos a Pescar celebration Saturday.
Whether lakeside, in the lake or inside the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center, people thronged to the area — just the way organizers like Patricia Saenz-Reyes wanted. This was the first year the Vamos celebration had been opened to the community at large instead of strictly being for the local Hispanic community, and Saenz-Reyes says things went well.
PAROC Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Daphne Mayes was thrilled by what she saw.
Looking ahead, Ernesto Flores of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks sees a lot of growth potential — and not just in Emporia.
Activities included fishing on the north bank of King Lake as well as kayaking on the lake, as well as inflatable archery and BB gun ranges north of 18th Avenue, information outside PAROC and a variety of free food. PAROC also had information about local and area wildlife as well as different family-based activities. Emporia Fire also brought its firefighting house model.
Vamos a Pescar, which translates to “Let’s Go Fishing,” teaches residents about fishing, the sport’s rules and regulations, as well as outdoor ethics and responsibility. The program has gained state recognition from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for its effectiveness and is now starting to get national attention.
