HERRIN, Ill. (WSIL) � Grab your fishing poles and head to Herrin Park this Saturday, June 21, as a beloved Southern Illinois tradition returns for another year.
The Kids Fishing Derby is hosted in partnership with the City of Herrin, Herrin Park District, The Local 773, and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. The free event promises a fun, family-friendly morning by the water. While the event is officially advertised for kids ages 14 and under, organizers say everyone is welcome to join the fun.
“No, we won’t turn anybody away,� said Jerry Womick, Business Manager for The Local 773. “If you’ve never fished before, come out, we’re going to have a lot of experienced volunteers. There’s no cost to you. We’re going to give you a fishing pole, a tackle box, and the bait. So if it’s something your kid’s been wanting to try, we’d love for them to come out and hopefully catch some fish.�
Registration runs from 8 to 9 a.m., with fishing set for 9 to 1 p.m. The first 40 kids to sign up will receive a free gift bag, thanks to generous local sponsors.
Womick says interest has already been high, with over 100 kids pre-registered. Organizers hope the event continues to grow and inspire a love for fishing and the outdoors in the next generation.
