BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The fourth annual Southern West Virginia Fishing Expo brought a crowd of outdoor enthusiasts to the historic Williamson Fieldhouse on Saturday.
Once again, the event was co-sponsored by the Friends of Tug Fork River and the Williamson Parks and Recreation.
There were 38 vendors set up at the event. They were from various outdoors-related businesses with products including fishing rods, reels, tackle, bait and much more.
Chris Lawrence, from MetroNews, broadcast his award-winning WV Outdoors radio show live from the venue Saturday morning and stuck around all day for the event.
“I love coming and visiting with my friends down here,” Lawrence said. “I know a lot of them listen to the show.
“These are my type of people,” Lawrence added. “The only thing better than a day fishing is a day talking about fishing.”
Pete Runyon, president of Friends of Tug Fork River, said he was very pleased with the annual fishing expo.
“It was a success again,” he said proudly. “I want to thank everyone who came out and our local communities for supporting us. I also want to thank all of our vendors and the Williamson Parks and Recreation (WPR).”
Jarrod Dean, director of the WPR, said, “We were happy to host this event again this year. It’s grown every year.”
The event saw 98 tables in use.
“This fishing expo is great for local outdoor tourism and it supports small businesses,” Dean added. “We are pleased to partner with the Friends of Tug Fork. We’ve already got our date set for next February’s event.
“I’m glad we can diversify and have different types of events here at the Fieldhouse.”
John Burchett, vice president of Friends of Tug Fork River and commissioner at West Virginia Flatwater Trails, was also on hand for the event.
“We would like to thank everyone for another successful year and those who came out,” Burchett said. “We thank the vendors and are already looking forward to next year.”
The local environmentalist has been the integral person in the abandoned tire cleanup for the Tug River and other projects associated with the waterway and its tributaries. He said the tire cleanup campaign will continue this year.
The organizers were very pleased with the Fishing Expo and hope it continues growing in future years.
Runyon also thanked the volunteers who helped and worked at the expo.
