Catch a Fish, Save a Church - At Highlandlake, August 23

Mead, CO -- Prizes for the biggest fish caught at Highlandlake on Saturday, August 23, will be one of the rewards for attending the Highlandlake Hey Day, a day-long event to raise funds for the structural renovation of the historic Highlandlake Church. The church and lake are located on Weld County Road 5, a mile west of Mead.

The fishing contest, which will take place from 8 - 11 a.m., August 23, is open to all ages, and requires no fishing license. All entry fees of $5.00 per person will be donated to the "Save the Church" fund.

Highlandlake is stocked with large-mouth bass, trout, catfish, bluegills and crappies. The largest fish caught at the lake this year was a seven-pound bass, caught by a 10 year-old boy, in early July. Contestants may fish from the shore or from their own boat or one rented from the Highlandlake concession. Participants may keep all the fish they catch up to the state limit, except for bass, which are 'catch and release."

The fishing contest is just one of many events at Highlandlake Hey Day, which will include a paddleboat race, lawn games, and rides for all ages, including hot-air balloon rides, miniature train rides, and a "poker run" for motorcyclists. The day's activities will close with lakeside dancing to various area bands.

Food will be available all day, beginning with a pancake breakfast, from 8 to 10 a.m., prepared by area volunteers. Throughout the day and early evening, sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and desserts will be available from the Highland Lake concession stand and the Mead Cafe booth, with all profits donated to the church restoration fund.

A total of $200,000 is needed to pay for the repairs. Grants from the Colorado State Historical Society, amounting to $200,000.00, are being applied for but those grants, require the 25% of the total, of $50,000 be donated by the private sector. To date, $15,000 has been received, according to Carla Brossman, treasurer of Historic Highlandlake Church, Inc, (HHCI), the organization responsible for the maintenance of the church. The group has until Feb. 1, 2004 to raise the additional $35,000, according to Pauli Smith, a member of HHCI who is preparing the grant applications.

Highlandlake began as a spring-fed buffalo wallow that was dammed to hold irrigation water for the Highlandlake Reservoir Company, and for more than 100 years the lake has served as a recreation area and community center for southwestern Weld County. The church and lake were used in the filming of the movie, DieHard II, starring Bruce Willis.

In addition to attending the Highlandlake Hey Day on August 23, tax-exempt donations, payable to Historic Highlandlake, Inc may be sent to HHCI treasurer Carla Brossman, at 1794 CR 34, Mead, CO 80542.