Published: May 09, 2008 06:36 pm            

Kids’ Fishing Derby returns to Eagle Creek

In an age where television, video games, and surfing the ‘net bombard our youth more and more each year, many children forget what summer is all about.

Want to get your kids off the couch and away from the computer?

Kick-off summer right by being at Eagle Creek Park on June 7 as an expected 400 children, ages 4 through 14, converge on the banks of the park’s coffer dam to participate in one of the nation’s largest fishing derbies.

The seventh annual Eagle Creek Park Kids’ Fishing Derby presented by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, in conjunction with area Wal-Mart stores, runs from 8 a.m. to noon. This is a free event — no park or event admission will be charged to pre-registered participants — and an Indiana fishing license is not needed.

Pre-registration is required and the event is limited to the first 400 to sign up. Registration forms are available at the Eagle Creek Park Office, 7840 West 56th St., Indianapolis; the foundation website at www.eaglecreekpark.org; and on the WIBC website at www.wibc.com.  They can also be found in the sporting goods departments of Wal-Mart stores at North Keystone, West 86th Street, Lafayette Road, Plainfield, and Southport.

Participants are asked to bring their own fishing equipment, if possible. But organizers say they have gathered more than 150 rods and reels that are available for youngsters to use during the derby, if they don’t have their own. Bait will also be furnished.

All participants must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, honorary chair Terri Staci of WIBC’s Morning Show, along with several adult volunteers, will be available to demonstrate a variety of fishing techniques at the catch-and-release event.

Free hot dogs, chips, and drinks, compliments of Wal-Mart, will be provided for participants and their families to enjoy throughout the event. Each participant will also receive a goodie bag filled with an assortment of items to take home. Numerous door prizes have been donated and will be awarded during the morning as well.

For more information on the Eagle Creek Park Kids’ Fishing Derby or the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, call 327-7116 or visit the website at www.eaglecreekpark.org.

        

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