NEWBERRY — In its 10th year of being hosted, the Enoree Wheelin’ Sportsman Fishing Rodeo welcomed 243 special needs children from as far as Lexington, Gilbert, Clinton and Newberry County schools for a fun-filled day of fishing.

The Rodeo, which is held in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and National Wild Turkey Federation, had 102 volunteers and dropped 2,000 pounds of fish in the pond. The land is owned by Clyde Brown.

Amy Hopper and District Ranger Mary Maercklein stressed that this event was about someone’s ability and not their disability. Hopper and Maercklein give special thanks to Newberry Electric Cooperative, numerous volunteers, church groups and sports teams, Lowe’s, Wilson Tractor and Hedgepath which donated equipment.

A thumbs up for a good catch!
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish11-1.jpgA thumbs up for a good catch! Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Firing up the grill while the kids fish.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish12-1.jpgFiring up the grill while the kids fish. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Inspecting the fish caught in the tub.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish13-1.jpgInspecting the fish caught in the tub. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

These kids are on a mission to catch some fish.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish1-1.jpgThese kids are on a mission to catch some fish. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Who claims the fish if it’s caught on two lines?
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish2-1.jpgWho claims the fish if it’s caught on two lines? Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Despite looming storms, it was a beautiful day to fish.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish3-1.jpgDespite looming storms, it was a beautiful day to fish. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Waiting patiently to get a bite.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish4-1.jpgWaiting patiently to get a bite. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Volunteers preparing fishing poles for the kids.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish5-1.jpgVolunteers preparing fishing poles for the kids. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Everyone can use a little help every now and then.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish6-1.jpgEveryone can use a little help every now and then. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Whether you sit in a chair or throw down a blanket, everyone made themselves comfortable.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish7-1.jpgWhether you sit in a chair or throw down a blanket, everyone made themselves comfortable. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

The excitement of catching a fish!
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish8-1.jpgThe excitement of catching a fish! Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Kids coming off the buses to get busy fishing.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish9-1.jpgKids coming off the buses to get busy fishing. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

A tub full of fish that have already been caught.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Fish10-1.jpgA tub full of fish that have already been caught. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.