Every spring, groups of people put a lot of effort into the Wheelin’ Sportsmen event at Lake Vesuvius.

The South Hills Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is the lead organization, but there are a lot more who help. The Ironton Ranger District hosts the event since the lake is in Wayne National Forest.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Kincaid Fish Hatchery brings 5,000 rainbow trout to stock the lake. City National Bank provided financial support. Symmes Valley School lent a bus to shuttle people from parking lots to the boat dock. And students from Collins Career Technical Center’s forensics programs and the Symmes Valley Lady Vikings softball team helped serve food and helped out whenever asked.

And, we cannot forget all those helpers who made it easier for those with physical challenges get around.

All in all, there are so many people that gladly assisted so that everyone had a great time fishing at one of the natural jewels of Lawrence County.

As event coordinator Chris Sammons pointed out, this event is to get people into the woods and to make memories.

The event has been going on for 17 years and we hope that it lives on for many more and continues to create great memories for all who attend.