This year's "Catch a Special Thrill" (C.A.S.T.) fishing event will take place Saturday, August 16th at Soldier Creek Group Pavilion at Strawberry Reservoir. C.A.S.T. offers a unique opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in a day of boating, fishing and a barbeque lunch. For many of the kids, this is their first opportunity to fish because of limitations caused by their disabilities.

Sponsors, including the Bureau of Reclamation, the Utah B.A.S.S. Federation, the Weber Basin Job Corps and others will be volunteering their time, equipment, muscle and professional expertise to help the kids catch fish. Boy Scout Troop 51 will also help with set-up and clean-up.

It is estimated that more than 30 groups of kids and fishermen will begin launching at 8:30 a.m., and fish between 8:30 a.m. and noon. Children will be accompanied in boats by a friend and a parent. After a full morning on the water, boats will return for lunch and presentations.

Besides making friends and enjoying a unique experience, each child will receive a photo plaques and a fun pack filled with novelties, toys and educational materials on water safety and natural resources.

The Bureau of Reclamation's partnership with the B.A.S.S. Federation began in Reclamation's Pacific Northwest Region in 1993. In 1994, the C.A.S.T. foundation was born, and in 1997, the first C.A.S.T. event was held in Utah. This year, the Bureau is in need of extra boats since it is expecting a large number of participating children. For boaters interested in lending their craft, or for general information, please contact Valerie Harrison or Don Merrill.