CASSVILLE, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation and The Department of Natural Resources proudly present Kids’ Fishing Day and Nature Festival on Saturday, August 17th at Roaring River State Park. Young anglers will have opportunities to catch fish, connect with nature and have fun participating in the many activities offered to parents and children. At 5:00 pm, a large drawing will be held, and many prizes will be given away!
Kids’ Fishing Day will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
At Kids’ Fishing Day, an area of the park will be designated as a fishing area for youths age 15 and under. Children in that age range can pick up free trout tags at the hatchery office all day on Friday the 16th or on the day of the event. Volunteers will be available to assist the young anglers. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment. Parents are welcome to assist kids, too, but only one pole may be used between the helper and the child. Adults are not allowed to fish by themselves. Free hotdogs, chips and soda will be available between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Education is also part of Kids’ Fishing Day. Throughout the day, seminars will be held on fish cleaning, fish cooking, Dutch oven cooking, Mexican cuisine, outdoor survival, target shooting, archery, crafting, hiking, wildlife, conservation, fly tying and fly casting, how to fish Roaring River, stream biology and other subjects. Be sure to visit the petting zoo, grab a free sno-cone and free popcorn. Bluegrass bands will be performing for most of the day. A program on Missouri snakes will be given using live specimens. If kids attend three classes, they can enter a drawing for prizes. The drawing will be held at 5 p.m. Children must be present to win. Classes are open to the whole family, but only children may enter the drawings. Parents, be sure to sign up for our parent prize drawing.
Volunteers and donations are needed to help with this event. Individuals wishing to volunteer do not need to be experienced anglers. A variety of positions are available. Prize drawings are funded solely by donations from individuals/local businesses. If you would like to be a volunteer, educator or sponsor for Kids’ Fishing Day or you want to get more information, call MDC’s Roaring River Hatchery at 417-847-2430 or e-mail [email protected]
