Ponds stocked for Parkersburg Fishing Derby
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PARKERSBURG -- About half a ton of trout were divided between the ponds in City and Southwood parks Thursday morning.
On Saturday, area kids between the ages of 3-14 will try to get them out.
Registration and check-in starts at 8 a.m. Saturday, with the competition slated for 9 a.m. to noon at both parks. Online pre-registration ended Thursday but folks can still sign up at the event, representatives of the Wood County RecreationCommission, which organizes the event, said.
Sami Mace has volunteered at the derby for nearly 20 years and been a member of the derby committee the last two.
"I love the kids, whenever they catch the fish and they come up and they're so excited, or not so excited," she said.
The derby provides children and families an opportunity to do something outside with each other and members of the community, Mace said.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, based on the length of the fish caught, in three age groups: 3-6, 7-10 and 11-14. Winners will receive trophies and other prizes, including fishing gear.
One golden trout was stocked in each pond. The young angler who lands it will receive a $100 Walmart gift card, said Bill Vincent, Wood County Recreation director.
Vincent said the event has received a great deal of support from the community in the form of donations and volunteers. Members of the Parkersburg High School football team will be at City Park to interact with kids and help them fish, while the Parkersburg South Patriots girls basketball team will do the same at Southwood.
Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com