In the spring of 2020, when many events had to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the first Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament to benefit Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Girls, an outdoor event, was held at the J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation (Camp Mack), 2 Scout Lane, Newmanstown.

The fundraiser, the brainchild of Cub Scout Case Baccio, was organized to help send veterans, Purple Heart Warriors, and families of fallen heroes to the 2020 Warrior Weekend held in July. "(The tournament) went really well," said Case, a member of Cub Scout Pack 93, who is now a fourth-grader at Bucher Elementary School. "We were able to raise more than $4,000, and there were quite a few people there."

Buoyed by the success of the 2020 event, Case, along with his mother, Ali Bucher, and friend Eric McCullough, are organizing this year's event, to be held at Camp Mack on Sunday, May 16, rain or shine. Area residents who enjoy fishing are invited to take part in the event. The adult open and hero tournament, for those age 16 and older, will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. The adult hero category will include participants who are Purple Heart recipients or Gold Star family members. Lunch will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The children's open and hero tournament will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Child hero category members will include children of Purple Heart recipients or members of Gold Star families. This year, only 30 adult and 30 child participants will be registered.

The 2020 tournaments attracted 45 participants. Winners were named in categories including biggest fish and largest number of fish caught. Bucher noted that one participant caught a large catfish, but McCullough added that the largest fish caught that day was a bass.

According to Bucher, two goals of this year's tournament are to attract more veterans and to double the amount that was raised last year. "We want to promote the community getting together for this," she said. "We'd like to see some new people."

Individuals who are interested in registering for the event may visit http://www.eventbrite.com and search for "2nd Annual Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament benefiting BS3G." Readers who have questions may call 717-224-5923 or 910-964-8594.