Jeff Lockington from Genoa NFH prepares fish for frying during Genoa's 75th Anniversary celebration on Aug 8, 2007. - FWS photo

Nancy Christopherson from La Crosse NFWCO cut and served the cake at Genoa's 75th celebration. -FWS photo

Terry Visger, an interpreter, tells the interesting story of the freshwater mussel during the 75th Anniversary Celebration. - FWS photo

Nick Starzl, biologist from Genoa NFH helps children fish for trout at the fish tank during the 75th Anniversary. - FWS photo

The entrance of Genoa's 75th Anniversary celebration where 600 people attended on Aug 8, 2007. - FWS photo by Owen Johnson

On August 8^th, 2007, La Crosse National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office LNFWCO (formerly known as La Crosse FRO) assisted Genoa NFH with their 75^th Anniversary Celebration held at the Genoa NFH.  Over 600 people attended from 16 different states and three foreign countries.

Genoa’s staff and their families prepared and served 450 lbs of catfish and the dinner was complete with beans, potato salad, hotdogs, cake and drinks.  Invited guests spoke to the crowd including Charlie Wooley, Deputy Regional Director from the Midwest Region, and a representative from Congressman Ron Kind’s office. 

The very first Genoa NFH manager’s son and daughter attended and presented a sturgeon and freshwater mussel display featuring two of the largest recovery and restoration programs that Genoa is involved with. 

Two historical interpreters spoke about the pearl button industry, Native American culture on the river and the last battle of the Blackhawk war (which took place just south of the hatchery).  A few stories were even told by the many FWS retirees or old employees that attended the celebration. 

Entertainment was provided by several singing groups during the event.  La Crosse FWCO manned a display table and assisted the hatchery with a fish pond in which kids could fish for prizes.  Genoa NFH also had a kids fishing tank with real water and lively rainbow trout that the kids could take home to eat.