By Matt de Simone
Buchanan Town Park was alive with activity last Saturday afternoon, as the third annual BOCO WILD event brought together outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Hosted by Botetourt County Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the free event offered a diverse array of hands-on activities and educational experiences.
Formerly known as the Botetourt Fishing Carnival, BOCO WILD has evolved to encompass a broader range of outdoor interests. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in fishing instruction, wildlife education, hunting safety, hiking, boating education, and more. The event featured live demonstrations, local vendors, and activity stations designed to inspire a love for the outdoors and promote environmental stewardship.
The event was well-attended, reflecting the community’s strong enthusiasm for outdoor recreation. Organizers expressed gratitude to the Town of Buchanan for providing a beautiful space for the celebration and to the sponsors who supported the event.
“BOCO Wild was just that—WILD!” Parks & Rec Director Victor Morales said when asked about the event last Saturday. “Kids had the chance to interact with animals, jump, climb, shoot, skate, bike, fish, kayak, and tun through the rain. It was a great day of trying new things and sparking lifelong hobbies.”
The first 200 kids in attendance received a free t-shirt. Inside of the first hour of the event, those t-shirts had all been distributed. Morales said that while the event is generally centered around youngsters 12 and under, teens had some options this year that included a skateboarding demonstration on the basketball court. The more central area of the event’s layout say a lot of traffic around the kayak pool, trout fishing tank, moon bounce house, and the livestock.
For more information on upcoming events and outdoor activities in Botetourt County, visit the Botetourt County Parks & Recreation website at www.botetourtva.gov/162/Parks-Recreation.
