HUDSON COUNTY — According to a press release from the Hackensack Riverkeeper, pirates are welcome and encouraged at its 2016 SPLASH event called RiverFest–Pirates of the Hackensack, to take place along the river in Secaucus next month. All participants can dress and talk like a pirate at the event on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Laurel Hill County Park on Laurel Hill Road from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Catch and release fishing will be strongly promoted and encouraged. All proceeds raised will benefit Hackensack Riverkeeper and its ongoing mission to protect, preserve, and restore the Hackensack River.
Residents and children from local communities will compete in the Riverkeeper’s first Hackensack River Fishing Derby. Residents can learn the importance of clean water, and other issues facing the Hackensack River and its wildlife. Prizes will be awarded for Best Pirate, First Fish, Biggest Fish, Most Fish and more. Many children will go home with their very own fishing rod.
The Riverkeeper also offers free mini Eco-Cruises aboard their custom-built pontoon research vessels under the command of Captains Bill Sheehan and Hugh Carola. Adults have the opportunity to kayak for free, courtesy of the organization’s Paddling Center staff.
The derby will take place on the newly constructed Laurel Hill promenade located directly on the river at the southern end of Laurel Hill Park. The promenade is the Hackensack River’s newest public access point.
According to the release, this is also the first SPLASH event in the country to focus on fishing.
Those seeking additional information about RiverFest or to sign up for the FREE event should visit www.piratesofthehackensack.com or call 201-968-0808.
Attention Hudson County parents, kids, and pirates! Fishing Derby set for Sept. 24
