Traditionally a part of the Benedum Festival celebration, the Kiwanis Fishing Derby takes place Saturday morning at Hinkle and Deegan Lakes.

 

Registration for children age 12 and under begins at the Deegan Lake pavilion at 7 a.m. with angling commencing a half hour later. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and should bring their own tackle and bait. Fishing will be at both Hinkle and Deegan Lakes and will be ongoing through 9 a.m. Awards in a number of categories will then be presented. Included, said Kiwanis Club member Richard Bailey, is longest fish, heaviest fish and number of fish, turtles and frogs caught.  

 

There is no charge for participation and take-away bags are being prepared for those taking part.

 

“We hope to have a bag of goodies for each child, but, we never know how many are coming,” Bailey said.

 

He encourages area kids to come join the fun.

 

“It is a good event for the family to come out with the child or children to enjoy fishing at the lakes – that are full of fish,” he said. “Tomorrow looks like an especially good morning to fish.”

 

Although the Kiwanis Club doesn’t financially profit from the annual Benedum Festival Youth Fishing Derby, it is one of the most rewarding projects the club sponsors.

 

“To see a child’s eyes light up when they have caught their first fish – their first bass – is just priceless,” Bailey said. “They come running with their fish in hand. It’s so delightful.”

 

It’s also nice to see families spending time together, doing something worthwhile and learning, Bailey said. And, of course, one good fishing experience can get a child hooked. And that’s a good thing, he said.

 

Benedum Festival attractions at Bridgeport City Park will be open from 5 p.m. to dark today and 11 a.m. through dark – and fireworks - Saturday. The 5K Kids’ Dash is at Wayne Jamison Track and Field Complex at 9 a.m. and the Pet Parade is 10 a.m. at City Park.

 

For a full schedule, click HERE. 

 

Editor's Note: Photo taken opening weekend at the lakes, spring 2014.