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Special Events

SPECIAL EVENTS ARE OFTEN FREE & DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

CARE Ice Fishing Events
Ice fishing events are designed for those with basic fishing knowledge and experience. Ice fishing events are an opportunity to practice skills learned from a CARE in-person or ZOOM ice fishing class. CARE fishing coaches will be available to assist you start to finish from drilling holes, setting up gear, and pulling fish onto the ice. All tackle and bait are provided. Dress appropriately to be on the ice dress in layers and absolutely no sneakers. To learn more about ice fishing, view the DEEP Lets Go Ice Fishing video and read the Ice Fishing 101 blog. For more details on what to bring, visit the DEEP ice fishing page. NOTE: Ice fishing events are subject to a minimum of 7 of safe ice.
SIGN UP THIS YEAR IS THROUGH THE CT DEEP Website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CARE/CARE-Fishing-Classes
Session 1: Saturday, February 17th 8:00am to 10:00am
Session 2: Saturday, February 17th 10:30am to 12:30pm
Ages: 8 and up
Fee: FREE

77th Annual Children's Fishing Derby
Children ages 5 to 15 can test their fishing skills and are eligible to participate in this long-standing event for prizes! We will have prizes in two different age categories as well as prizes for heaviest fish not a trout, first fish caught, and of course a cash prize for catching the elusive Golden Trout. Come out and enjoy the morning fishing on Dunning Lake! Participants are limited to members, their guests and Farmington residents only. No registration is required.
Date: Saturday, April 6th
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am
Ages: 5 to 15
Fee: FREE (There will be worms and food available for purchase)

28th Annual Winding Trails Fat Tire Classic
Come on out and enjoy the 5-mile loop on Winding Trails 12.5 mile trail system which includes wide-open trails, hills, and turns combined with sections of technical single track. Cat 3, Cat 2, Cat 1, and Pro classes will run with a variety of age groups. Distances will vary according to each class. There will also be a special First Timers Race on a separate 2-mile course, two laps, and a free short kids race. Proceeds from the event go to the Winding Tails Endowment Fund at the Hartford Foundation. 
We will be using BikeReg for registrations for this race at www.bikereg.com. All levels of riders are encouraged to pre-register! Please visit the BikeReg site for fees and start times.
Date: Sunday, April 21st
Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm (start times vary depending on race class) Registration opens at 7:30am for morning races.

CARE Introduction to Fishing Class
Have you always wanted to learn how to fish but you do not know where to start? The CT DEEP Fisheries Division now offers an online Lets Go Fishing, course where you can learn all about fishing in CT from the comfort of your home. Then, join Certified Fishing Coaches on April 27th at Natures Porch for a quick review of the Lets Go Fishing course and jump into hands-on activities that cover all the basic fishing skills! You will set up a fishing rod and tie a strong knot, practice casting practice, and put that line into the water to catch your first fish at Walton Pond. Upon registration for this program, you will be asked to do your homework by completing the online Lets Go Fishing course prior to the event. The fishing event at Walton Pond on April 27th will complete the hands-on portion of this program and begin your lifetime of fishing. SIGN UP THIS YEAR IS THROUGH THE CT DEEP Website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CARE/CARE-Fishing-Classes
Date: Saturday, April 27th
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Ages: 8 and up
Fee: FREE

Touch-A-Truck
Through the generosity of many local businesses, children can see a variety of special vehicles up close! Each year we have vehicles from the local fire, police and EMS. There is also construction equipment, military vehicles, and more. We will also have a raffle and food available for purchase. No registration is required.
Date: Sunday, May 5th
Time: 1:00-3:00pm
Fee: FREE

For All Ages Intergenerational Learn to Fish Derby
Local non-profit For All Ages is hosting this morning event where an adult angler will be paired with a child age 5 to 12 to teach the child how to fish and participate as a team in a fun-filled fishing derby at Walton Pond. For All Ages will award a variety of prizes, including first fish caught, heaviest fish caught, and best fishing themed hat, among others. Participation is limited to the first 20 experienced adult anglers age 40+ and the first 20 youth ages 5 to 12. Worms and fishing tackle will be provided for the youth (adults do not fish); youth may bring their own rod and reel. Registration opens March 1 for anglers; April 1 for youth. Open only to youth who have no or minimal fishing experience and who confirm their commitment to attending. Youth must be accompanied for the morning by a parent or guardian. Drinks and a continental breakfast will be provided.
Please register by Friday, May 10th: www.forallages.org/fishing-derby
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 8:30am to 12:30pm
Ages: 40+ for adult anglers, 5-12 for child participants 
Fee: FREE

CARE Fly Fishing 101 Course
Designed for anglers who have some previous fishing experience, this class offered by the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program helps continue to build your fishing knowledge and skills. Participants should be 12 years old and older.
ZOOM CLASS: CARE Fishing Coaches will cover all the basics of the art of fly fishing during a 1-hour ZOOM class. Experts will discuss how to select and use fly fishing rods, reels, flies, and tackle, what knots to use and how to use them, how to cast, and take all your questions. This is a mandatory prerequisite before attending the Fly-Fishing Field Trip (space is limited).
FLY FISHING FIELD DAY: You will get the opportunity to practice your rod setup, knot tying, and casting with handson coaching and then fish for panfish and bass in Walton Pond.
CARE Fishing Coaches will provide loaner fly rods and flies to get you started fishing confidently on the path to success or bring your own gear and we can show you how to use it and set it up properly. A fishing license is required for all participants ages 16 and above. SIGN UP THIS YEAR IS THROUGH THE CT DEEP Website at https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/CARE/CARE-Fishing-Classes
Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: FREE