44th Forum Breaks New Attendance, Exhibitor and Scholarship Records

 

The annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport, Maine lived up to its reputation for being a great 3 day event for fishermen and the fishing industry to meet. The event can be as casual or busy as an attendee wants to make it. With admission free, visitor attendance was estimated from the large numbers of people in the exhibit halls and the seminars all day.

One of the weekends high points is the scholarship fundraiser. This year $39,479.00 was raised through the Friday night auction and donations. An anonymous fisherman donor gave $12,000. Two students will receive $6,000 scholarships and 23 student will share the balance raised.

Forum Coordinator Chilloa Young said she takes “pride in the fact that the Forum is neutral ground for all the different people who attend. They all don't necessarily agree, but they get together at the Fishermen’s Forum, participate and interact.”

 

Forum Coordinator Chilloa Young.

 

 

Trade show visitors in the State of Maine Exhibition Hall.

 

 

The annual Saturday night banquet.

 

 

Learning to tie a boarding ladder from Ann Backus.

 

 

Kids with survival suits and raft at survival training.

 

 

Mike Young helps with auction item.

 

 

Marcie Train, scholarship fundraiser auctioneer.

 

 

Maine scallops and oysters at the Thursday opening reception.

 

 

One of the many donated items auctioned for the scholarship fund.

Fishermen’s Voice photos