By Sterling McGinn
The Kids Tackle Party, one of Newberry’s most popular annual events, is back.
Formerly held by the Tahquamenon Sportsmen’s Club, the future of the of the party was in question when the club disbanded in 2024.
“The thought of the tackle party ending just wasn’t an option for us,” Jamie Rushford, coordinator of Luce County Communities That Care coalition. “When rumors were stirring about the Tahquamenon Sportsmen’s Club dissolving last year, a community member reached out to ask if the LCCTC would be interested in stepping up to take it over and our coalition immediately said yes.”
This year’s tackle party is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 in the J. L. DeCook Gymnasium. The time has not been set.
The first tackle party was held in May 1957, and 50 people – fathers and sons – attended at the clubhouse on Victory Way. The program gained popularity, and at the 20th Annual Kid’s Tackle Party in 1977, 301 boys and girls attended and received fishing equipment, and 100 adults were present. The event had to move to a larger venue.
In the 1980s, 400 or more children were in line for new fishing equipment.
For decades, local youth have lined the bleachers of the gym, anticipating the gift of a brand-new fishing pole or tackle box to bring along on their fishing adventures with parents and grandparents.
These days, the LCCTC and former Sportsmen’s Club members, plus community volunteers, formed a committee to run the party. The committee intends to keep the program similar to previous years, with every kid under the age of 14 in attendance receiving a fishing/outdoor related gift.
“Going forward, we intend to bring back activities, games, displays and adult raffles through collaboration with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Thompson State Fish Hatchery and MSU Extension,” Rushford said.
The group is looking for monetary donations, donations of new and unused items of fishing poles, tackle boxes, outdoor related equipment or donations of services, like fishing charters or boat rentals.
Anyone who wants to donate or join the sub-committee can contact Jamie Rushford at jrushford@lmasdhd.org or (906) 203-2116.
“We know how hard the Sportsmen’s Club members have worked to host an annual event that so many kids and families look forward to each and every year and we couldn’t be more excited to carry on this tradition for years to come,” Rushford said. “There is evidence to support that youth/families who engage in healthy outdoor recreational activities are less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors. We are so excited to continue to offer fishing equipment to our youth in hopes that they engage in a valuable, fun, and healthy activity for years to come.”
Watch upcoming issues of the Newberry News for more information about this year’s Tackle Party.
