Over 30 kids participate in fishing derby

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Two-year old Jared Mullican shows off his first fish of the day. (Dale Stubblefield photos)

Riverfront Park was filled with kids of all ages Saturday morning as McMinnville Parks and Recreation along with co-sponsor Wal-Mart held “The Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing Derby.”

Over 30 kids participated in the four hour event with four different age groups competing for prizes. There was the under 4 division, 5-8, 9-12 and 13-16 age groups.

Prizes were given away for the longest, heaviest and first fish caught in each age group. Along with prizes for catching the biggest fish, there were prizes for the casting contest and door prizes were awarded all throughout the day. The prize table was loaded with such items as fishing poles, tackle boxes and outdoor equipment.

Parks and Recreation representative Justin Scott oversaw the event and was more than pleased with the turnout.

“It’s been a great day so far,” said Scott. “We had a large number of kids out here early this morning and people keep showing up. There’s been several fish caught and everyone is just out here having fun and enjoying the day. Parents are out here with there kids and it’s great to see so many families out fishing together.”