ELKINS— The Randolph County Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) Expo will be held Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 29 from noon until 5 p.m. at the Elkins High School gym.
A variety of fun activities, live entertainment, educational workshops and interactive vendor booths attract hundreds of children and families each year to the event. HOFNOD, a nationally recognized drug prevention program, emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and living a drug and alcohol-free life.
Many popular attractions will return like fishing pole giveaways, live fish pond, climbing wall, silent auction, kid’s turkey calling contest, pet-a-snake, and appearances by HOFNOD’s mascot “Willie Ketchum”.
New for 2015 is a kid’s zip line and obstacle course, and puppet show by the SonShine Puppet Ministry.
“This year we’re remembering Earl Channels who was a huge part of the Expo for many years,” said HOFNOD Committee Chair Robin Miller. “Earl lost a battle with cancer 10 years ago but his spirit certainly lives on through HOFNOD. He enjoyed sharing his personal love of the outdoors with kids and worked hard to make this an outstanding event.”
Davis Medical Center (DMC) is the gold sponsor of the event.
“HOFNOD is an important community event that reaches out to youth and families with a positive message,” said Mark Doak, DHS President and CEO. “We’re glad to partner with HOFNOD and appreciate the hard work that goes into making it a success.”
The HOFNOD Challenge, scheduled for Saturday, provides kids the opportunity to win major door prizes by attending a series of educational and interactive learning stations. The intent is to re-emphasize important messages about living drug free, and the great outdoor recreation available in the region.
The youth turkey calling contest is open to kids ages eight to 17 and will be held on Saturday. Registration is in the Elkins High School Auditorium and begins at noon. The contest will start at 1 p.m. Prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners.
Local emergency responder groups will be on hand to share information about their services and showcase emergency vehicles. Community vendors provide games, giveaways and raffles. Major HOFNOD raffles include a boat giveaway and a 50/50 drawing.
“Without our participant and sponsor support we couldn’t coordinate an event of this caliber. We thank all those who make it possible each year,” she said.
For information about donating to the HOFNOD Expo, or booth space availability contact Robin Miller at 304.637.3532.
