UXBRIDGE, Ma. — River Bend Farm in Uxbridge was busy Saturday for the 6th Annual Family Fun Fishing Day.

The Blackstone River Watershed Association and Open Sky Community Services partnered with the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation and Mass Fisheries and Wildlife for the event. Families had the chance to go out and fish for free at the Blackstone River.

Uxbridge's Sean Matthews went fishing with his son on Saturday afternoon. He says fishing is more than just an activity for them; it's a way to bond and reflect.

"My father-in-law passed away a couple years ago, and before he passed away, he built these two rods by hand for my son and my daughter," Matthews said. "When he was lying there towards the end of his life, he presented the rods to the kids. That was something super special to him: to know they'll always be fishing with his fishing rods. So, my son and I, we go out fishing all the time, as much we can. It's just a special bond that we got."

The event had prizes for different age groups. Matthews' son, Grayson, won a prize for most fish caught (14) in his division.


Greyson holding basket after winning division
Photo courtesy Sean Matthews.


The last Family Fun Fishing Day was in 2019. It drew more than 150 people.