The Erie County Departments of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and Emergency Services, in conjunction with the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, have announced a day of free family fun happening on Saturday, June 25.

The day will begin at 9:30 AM with a free youth fishing clinic, conducted by the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, at the Chestnut Ridge Park Lake near the Commissioner’s Cabin. No fishing license is required for participants and equipment will be provided. The fishing clinic will wrap up at 1:30 and be followed by a firefighting demonstration at the Park’s fire training facility at 2:00 PM.

The demonstration, conducted by the Department of Emergency Services in conjunction with local fire agencies and also free and open to the public, will include firefighting equipment, strategies, and fire safety awareness information.

“Chestnut Ridge is an ideal location for this day of activities, with the necessary facilities and space to ensure a good experience for all participants,” said Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo. “We thank our partners at the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy for working to put this day of fun and education together and look forward to working with them, as well as with the fire agencies who will be giving demonstrations, to present these programs and give residents even more ways to enjoy our Parks.”

Commissioner of Emergency Services Dan Neaverth, Jr. added, “Demonstrations such as the one we’ll be conducting at Chestnut Ridge Park are a good opportunity for the public to see lifesaving equipment up close and in action and also to learn more about ways they can protect themselves and their families. Education is a key component of preparation, so I encourage anyone interested in learning more to attend.”

The firefighting demonstration program is sponsored by the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy and is expected to last approximately 90 minutes. The Conservancy is a 501c(3) corporation which supports the restoration and preservation of Chestnut Ridge Park.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/

On the Erie County Department of Emergency Services, visit http://www2.erie.gov/emergencyservices/

On the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, visit http://chestnutridgeconservancy.org/