A special free event, Warriors on the Water Ltd., hosted by Jim Neary's Live Bait and Tackle, will be held on Saturday, May 14, at the Octorara Reservoir to celebrate veterans, first responders and members of law enforcement. The day will feature fun, food, fishing and a chance to relax in the outdoors. Events will begin at 8 a.m., when coffee and freshly made doughnuts will be served.

The nonprofit Warriors on the Water has been active for nine years, with Gina Neary as organizer. "It's designed to be a fun, relaxing day to enjoy with family, where you don't have to pay and you're appreciated and thanked and honored," said Gina.

Warriors on the Water focuses on providing outdoor recreational therapy, primarily through fishing and boating. This will be the second edition of the annual event after a year's break in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Warriors on the Water Ltd. is the largest of several events held monthly through October at the reservoir. During the events, veterans and other emergency service providers are given an opportunity to escape from daily stressors by experiencing a day of fishing on the water.

Multiple nonprofit organizations are making the day possible. The Pennsylvania and Maryland chapters of Warriors on the Water will provide free fishing kayaks. There will also be free bait and tackle and free use of motorboats, row boats and additional kayaks along with free rod rentals. The organization has worked with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission so that fishing licenses are not needed for Warriors on the Water events.

The event will also include free fishing demonstrations, including information on fly fishing and tying flies from the Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Music will be offered all day, and attendees will have a chance to visit with a variety of organizations such as the American Legion; Canine Partners for Life, which will bring service dogs and puppies; Woerth It Hollow Equine Assisted Therapy, which will bring miniature ponies; Veterans' Breakfast Club of Lancaster; and Homes 4 Heroes. A chainsaw wood-carving artist will give a demonstration. There will also be a patriotic crafts table for children.

Warriors on the Water will provide free food, including a roasted pig, pulled pork, homemade chili, hamburgers, pierogies, hot dogs and cold salads along with non-alcoholic drinks. Cakes and cookies will be offered for dessert.

There will be a free gift bag for each warrior, as well as a silent auction featuring donations from many local businesses.

"The support from our community is pretty awesome. It's not just Warriors on the Water; it's other groups. We all come together and uplift one another," Gina said.

Warriors on the Water is an all-volunteer organization. Volunteers are needed to assist on the day of the event and with setup the day before.

Jim Neary's Live Bait and Tackle on the Octoraro Reservoir is located at 212 Spruce Grove Road, Kirkwood. No alcohol is permitted on the property. For additional information or to learn about volunteer opportunities and how to donate, call Gina at 717-314-2800, call the bait shop at 717-529-2488 or stop in the bait shop at the reservoir.

More information is also available at http://www.facebook.com/jimsbait.net.