The 25th Annual Take Kids Fishing Day will return to Jeffers Bend Recreation Area in Hopkinsville on Saturday, May 23, offering children and families a morning of fishing, competitions, prizes and outdoor activities.
The annual event will take place from 9 a.m. until noon and is open to children ages 3 through 15.
Charles Turner, founder and coordinator of Take Kids Fishing Day, said organizers continue to focus on creating an affordable, family-friendly event that encourages children to spend time outdoors.
“We always make them family friendly,” Turner said. “And so we want all families to come out and take your child fishing.”
Registration costs $2 per child and adult through May 18 and increases to $3 per person the day of the event. Military members and first responders will be admitted free with identification.
Turner said no fishing license is required for participants during the event.
Children participating will be divided into four age groups: 3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11 and 12 to 15. Prizes will be awarded in each division for the smallest fish, largest fish and most fish caught.
In addition to fishing competitions, organizers are planning casting and reeling contests for each age group, including awards for the farthest cast and fastest reel time.
Turner said organizers also want to make sure every child attending leaves with something.
“For all the children that do not have the opportunity to catch a fish or win in the casting and reeling, there will be other prizes available through a drawing,” Turner said. “So we want all the kids that come out to get something.”
Each child attending the event will receive a free T-shirt and beach towel. Turner said the towels are being provided through donations from the Salvation Army and Walmart Distribution Center.
Lunch will also be available for participants, including hot dogs, chips and bottled water, thanks to support from Atmos Energy.
Additional activities are planned beyond fishing, including two water slides provided with support from the Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority.
“So when the young people get tired of fishing, they’ll have the opportunity to go and utilize the water slide,” Turner said.
Take Kids Fishing Day began in 1999 and has grown into one of Hopkinsville’s largest annual family outdoor events, drawing hundreds of participants to Jeffers Bend each year.
