CHILLICOTHE — Thwarted by the weather last weekend, the North Missouri Sportman’s Alliance (NMSA) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) have rescheduled their annual free Kids Fishing Derby to Saturday, June 28, reports Steve Shoot, president of the NMSA.
The event, in its eighth year, will occur at the large pond on the west side of the Legacy Living facility (formerly The Baptist Home) in north Chillicothe.
Joining the two organizations in hosting the event will be the Short Grass chapter of Quail Forever and members of the Livingston County Veterans Association (LICOVA).
The MDC again will provide fishing tackle and live bait for those kid without tackle, as well as fishing assistance. The organizations helping with the event will assist young anglers, as needed.
“Returning for the second consecutive year the Jerseys Sports Grill and Murray’s Buffet & Grill will provide a free lunch for all participants,” points out Shoot. “In fact, Jersey’s Blake Keller will be cooking the hot dogs on site by the pond.”
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Chillicothe will provide free beverages for participants and adults at the event, as well, the NMSA official adds.
“We hope that Mother Nature cooperates with us this time, so we can have a fun day for everyone who attends,” he says.
The Kids Fishing Derby will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The pond is located just east of Highway 65, across the road from the FCS Financial Building.
“When a youngster registers, he or she will receive some free fishing tackle and their name will automatically be placed in the drawing for more free fishing gear at the end of the derby,” Shoot details. “Kids must be 15 years of age or under to participate and only those participating in the fishing derby will receive the free tackle.”
Over $1,300 in fishing tackle will be given away at the event this year, he relates, the most ever monetarily since the free-of-charge event was started in 2015.
“The kids must be present at the conclusion of the fishing derby to receive the items when their name is drawn,” Shoot stresses. “Only a child who is present for the event can enter their name in the drawing.”
He also reminds that the event is a “non-competitive” activity. “It is not about who catches the most or biggest fish. It is just about having a good time and enjoying the great outdoors.’’
While the Fishing Derby first was hosted in 2015, there was a 3-years hiatus, due to the coronavirus epidemic, Shoot notes, leaving this as the eighth time it has actually occurred.
