Organizers Pump Water In Hopes of A Successful Fish-O-Rama

By Addison Speck, Reporter

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Aug 2, 2012 at 6:10 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 2, 2012 at 6:40 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - River and lake levels are at record lows because of the drought, and that's killing many fish statewide. Now, leaders of the annual Fish-O-Rama fundraiser are facing some additional work to keep their fish swimming and not floating.

"We just wanted to make sure we could do the most we possibly could to make sure the fish that are already here are going to be ok and that the fish were going to put in, are going to be as well," said John Tursi, the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Cedar Rapids.

Organizers teamed up with the DNR and city to pump water from the Cedar River Lagoon to Robbins Lake while also using aerators. "By trying to get more water into the lake, and by aerating the lake it's going to provide better oxygen for the fish which means they will bite a lot more which is really what we want," added Tursi.

Dave Nichols is the Volunteer Co-Chair for the 2012 Fish-O-Rama and he said it makes for healthier and happier fish. "They live longer and bit better," said Nichols. Everyone will be looking for a bite this weekend with prizes like bicycles, a new truck and a boat. If you catch a fish with the right tag you could take one of hundreds of prizes homes.

Fish-O-Rama is the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids 2nd biggest fundraiser. Over the past 9 years the event has raised more than 900 thousand dollars for the non-profit. Which is why organizers said they won't let the drought dry up an annual tradition.

The Fish-O-Rama is this Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 5. Gates open at 6 a.m. It is $25 to fish for the big prizes like the truck and boat, and $10 to fish for all the smaller prizes. For more information and to register you can go to this link: http://www.bgccr.org/page11425329.aspx

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