Togiak NWR's float about floats during Beaver Round-Up 2008 in Dillingham

It seems like every community has its own annual celebration. The city of Dillingham is no different, with its yearly Beaver Round-Up, held at the end of each March. For several days many activities are enjoyed by both community residents and visitors alike, but one activity that’s always a big draw is the parade.

This past Beaver Round-Up, Togiak Refuge didn’t just take part in the parade: they walked away with first place, as decided by parade judges. Several staff members spent an evening putting together the float, which called attention to the many sportfishing opportunities available on the Refuge.

Humor was a part of the design, and no doubt had an impact on the judging as well. Signs on a Refuge truck proclaimed Togiak NWR to be the home of fishing opportunities, both large and small. To illustrate that point, a staff member was seen to be holding an eight inch trout, while a child on the same raft attempted to reel in a “big one” mounted to the hood.

Refuge staff members were delighted to be able to participate in this popular community event, providing parade goers with a healthy chuckle while also reminding them of the wonderful recreational fishing opportunities available on the Refuge.