PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CAUGHT … One of the young participants displays a fish caught during the Fishing Derby at Harrison Lake State Park. The event brought local families together for a day of fishing and outdoor fun.
LINE … A participant receives a helping hand while preparing to fish during the first Kids Fishing Derby at Harrison Lake State Park on Saturday. The event encouraged children and families to enjoy the outdoors together.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
A new family event made its debut at Harrison Lake State Park on Saturday, June 13, as the Friends of Harrison Lake hosted its first Kids Fishing Derby.
The event was open to young anglers who were camping at the park, as well as children from the surrounding area.
Around 30 kids took part in the derby this time, which included registration, an ODNR officer fishing class and several hours of fishing before prizes were awarded later in the day.
Maryann Reimund, Vice President of the Friends of Harrison Lake, said the event was created as part of the group’s effort to bring more activities to the park and give families another reason to enjoy the area.
“The whole goal for the Friends group is to kind of rejuvenate the park and the activities here,” Reimund said.
“We’re looking for something that will enlighten the people that are camping here and give the kids something to do.”
The derby included prizes for the largest fish in three different species, with winners receiving gift cards.
The Friends group also sold ice cream novelties during the event, with proceeds going back into Harrison Lake State Park.
Reimund said the first year served as a learning experience for the group, but the turnout and response from families were encouraging.
“My biggest thing today is seeing the kids and the parents interact,” she said. “It makes us feel good that we can be a part of that.”
The event also gave children a chance to interact with each other, share stories and enjoy time outside.
Reimund said each participant seemed to come in with excitement and confidence about what they were going to catch. “Each one of them has had a story to tell,” she said. “They were all going to catch the biggest fish.”
Some of those catches surprised even the organizers. Reimund said the group had talked before the event about whether many fish would be caught, but children brought in several strong catches, including an 18 1/4-inch catfish and an 18 ½-inch largemouth bass.
For Reimund, the derby was about more than fishing. She said it helped spark more conversation about the lake and what the park has to offer. “It’s rejuvenating an interest in this park,” Reimund said.
“We know people enjoy coming camping, but there’s so much more here to offer than just camping.”