A North Bryan tradition returned to Floyd’s Pond just outside Pembroke last week, when seniors from Pembroke and Richmond Hill gathered to wet a hook and break some bread.

The event, hosted by the Floyd Family, began about 30 years ago and was started by the late Colen Floyd, a former county commissioner who raised timber and crops and cattle, and built the famous Cluekenheimer’s Corner on Highway 67 just outside Pembroke.

These days, Floyd’s son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Debbie Floyd, host the event with help from their sons, Alex and Thomas Floyd, and their wives, Kristin and Tara.

The pandemic, of course, stopped it in its tracks last spring, like a lot of other things.

“Last year was the first time since the early 90’s that this event wasn’t held,” Alex Floyd said. “Having it this year with such a great crowd and such great weather was truly heartwarming. I don’t dare try to thank everyone by name because there’s so many but I am truly grateful for this event and all the good folks that make it happen. It’s just the kickoff to a healthy summer season for our seniors.”

It’s much appreciated by the seniors, according to Sally Shuman, Bryan County’s director of senior services.

“They love it,” she said. “And they’re very, very appreciative of the Floyds for putting this on.”

While some seniors caught fish, and some threw them back, others didn’t catch any, or didn’t bother to try.

Didn’t matter, said Richmond Hill’s Linda Sauls.

“The fellowship is what I’m here for,” she said. “It’s wonderful.”