Friday, November 7, 2025
Family Fishing Weekend is set to return to Hendrickson Park on Saturday and Sunday.
Fishing sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, divided into three time blocks: 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Families will register when they arrive, and will be assigned designated fishing spots along the lake. The spots will be 20 feet apart to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants. Families are welcome to stay for one session or more throughout the day.
The event was first proposed by Richard DeAngelis, a longtime fishing enthusiast who grew up in Valley Stream and who now coordinates Family Fishing Weekend. After Mayor Edwin Fare was elected in 2011, DeAngelis approached him and the village board with the concept of holding a family-focused fishing event at the lake. With the village government’s support, the event launched in 2013, and has grown steadily over the years.
“The event has grown each year as people keep coming back every year, while newcomers discover the event and join in,” DeAngelis said. “The New York State Department of Conservation partnered with us to bring the event to life. They supply fishing poles and bait for all participants. They can give instruction for those who have never fished, and most often help with catching and releasing the fish.
New York State requires a fishing license to fish freshwater throughout the state,” DeAngelis continued. “Those requirements are waived on the fourth weekend of June. So it is a free event. The event follows a catch-and-release format using barbless hooks. Fish commonly found in the lake include carp, sunfish, catfish and eels. Turtles are also present, though participants are encouraged to avoid them. No fish may be kept.”
Since its introduction, Family Fishing Weekend has become an annual tradition for many families. It often draws both first-time and returning participants who make the weekend a regular part of their summer. Attendance varies each year depending on the weather, but has ranged from 400 to nearly 900 people over the course of the weekend.
The event encourages families to enjoy time together outdoors while introducing or reintroducing them to fishing. There are no games, contests or workshops beyond the fishing itself, but the simplicity of the format has proven to be part of its appeal. For many it’s an opportunity to unplug, share a new experience and connect with the outdoors in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Families often return with stories from previous years, about the biggest catch or the one that got away. The event draws a mix of participants, including children, parents and grandparents. It offers a chance for multigenerational bonding, with some older residents seeing it as a chance to revisit the park and pass down the skill and enjoyment of fishing.
“We love watching families learn how to fish, then catching the fish,” DeAngelis said. “The moms are the best. I get a kick out of watching them cheer and scream when they hook a fish. The little ones are great, too. Sometimes they catch more fish than their big brother or sister and have bragging rights for a while.”
On Saturday, the Chamber of Commerce will host a food truck festival in the nearby pool parking lot, adding another option for families planning to stay for more than one session. While food is not provided at the fishing event itself, participants are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks, especially if they plan to fish for an extended period.
The village’s recreation staff, lifeguards and community volunteers help manage logistics, including registration and on-site support. The mayor and board of trustees are active supporters of the event, and regularly lend a hand during the weekend. And the Department of Conservation continues to be a key partner, helping to provide equipment, guidance and conservation resources.
“Family Fishing Weekend has been a very popular event for over ten years,” Fare wrote in a statement. “We always look forward to seeing our community participate in this family-friendly event.”
No pre-registration is required. Participants can bring their gear or use the rods and bait provided. The only thing strongly encouraged is enthusiasm and for many, a willingness to try something new.
