(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Around 75 people participated Saturday at the annual Take Kids Fishing Day held at Buckeye Park in Marietta. The event was put on by The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) 972, the AFL-CIO and the Union Sportsman Alliance, at the park’s pond. Youths ages 2-15 learned fishing skills from volunteers with local union members at the event.

Many families were able to get out Saturday and enjoy some quality time fishing at Buckeye Park in Marietta.

Around 75 people participated in the annual Take Kids Fishing Day, put on by The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) 972, the AFL-CIO and the Union Sportsman Alliance, at the park’s pond. Youths ages 2-15 learned fishing skills from volunteers with local union members at the event.

“It is not a derby,” said organizer Nicole Webster. “People can come out and receive a free rod and bait to participate.

“We supply everything they need to go out and get an idea of what it is like to get out and fish and be outside.”

The union members also provided a picnic meal during the event of hot dogs, chips and drinks.

(Photo Provided) Gabriel Bristol, 4, of Parkersburg caught a number of fish Saturday during the annual Take Kids Fishing Day held at Buckeye Park in Marietta.

Victoria Poellot-Tauber of Parkersburg found a listing for the event online as something she, her husband David Bristol and their 4-year-old son Gabriel Bristol could do together.

“It has been great,” she said. “(Gabriel) has caught several fish. It has been a nice relaxing day.”

David Bristol said the whole point of the outing was to make Gabriel happy and have some fun.

“That is really all it is,” he said. “It is to get the little guy fishing.

“I always did it when I was a kid. I enjoyed it a lot.”

(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Jaxton Casto of Meigs County caught a fish Saturday during the annual Take Kids Fishing Day held at Buckeye Park in Marietta. The event allowed families to come out and spend time together outside.

It was important to get kids outside and to teach them different skills as well as keep some traditional activities going, Bristol said.

“I think it is good to keep kids doing it,” he said. “It is a learning experience.

“It is about learning patience, having dexterity with your fingers in tying a hook. It is a lot of practical stuff that you can use in your life, but still have fun doing it.”

When asked why he was out fishing Saturday, Gabriel said “to have fun.”

Jo Fitch of Belpre brought out her granddaughter Amarah Fitch, 5, having done a number of fishing events recently.

(Photo by Brett Dunlap) Jo Fitch of Belpre brought out her granddaughter Amarah Fitch, 5, to fish at the annual Take Kids Fishing Day held at Buckeye Park in Marietta.

“I grew up fishing as a kid and I still like fishing today,” Jo Fitch said. “I think it is important to get these kids out so they can enjoy the outdoors so they are not always inside playing video games.”

Jaxton Casto of Meigs County caught a fish Saturday and said it was his uncle who brought him out “to catch some fish.”

“I like the fun of it,” he said. “It is relaxing.”

Webster said they are planning to continue the event next year and beyond.

Many families came out to fish and spend time together.

“I hope people get a sense of appreciation for time with their family, but also enjoy time outdoors,” Webster said.