Kids 'catch a smile during' 25th annual Kids Fishing Derby

Saturday's 25th annual Kids Fishing Derby was held in partnership with the American Legion Auxiliary 169 and Sons of the American Legion Post 169, who provided bikes for four lucky winners.

The derby was just one of more than 2,500 events taking place across the county to celebrate National Fishing Week. This year's theme is "catch a smile." More than 500,000 people are expected to participate in these events, which are aimed at encouraging kids to fish and learn about natural resource stewardship.

The event took place on Saturday at Lake Glen O. Jones near Equality, and was open to kids ages 15 or under accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In addition to the Legion and Auxiliary, several organizations helped make the event a success. the Kiwanis Club helped cook lunch, Eldorado Big Johns provided hotdogs and private citizens helped sponsor the annual derby. The children of Andy Baker, a citizen of Equality who passed away on May 23, made a donation on behalf of their grandfather. Donations from more than 50 sponsors were aimed at helping kids discover the joys of fishing and developing in them an appreciation for lakes, rivers and the wildlife around them.

"Kids are passionate about fishing," said derby organizer Mike Spanel, a retired wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service, who has organized the event for the past 25 years. "Over 100 kids attended this year's derby and everyone went home with a smile on their face and a prize in their hand. We could never have done this without the support of local business establishments and the support of private citizens who helped organize this year's event."

Prizes were awarded throughout the event and included derby t-shirts donated by the U.S. Forest Service, fishing rods and reels, tackle boxes and lures. Special prizes were awarded to kids for the biggest sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish. Winners included Malachi Wiseman and Rachael Prier who caught the biggest bluegill, Cash Hankins and Sierra Lagesse who caught the biggest bass and Gordy Muckle and Sierra Lagesse who caught the biggest catfish.

Bikes donated by the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 169 and the American Legion Auxiliary 169 were given to four winners, pictured above. Trophies and fishing gear were provided to the casting contest winners.