Outdoor fun planned for the 34th Annual Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair

By Editor | May 10, 2023 |

By Carissa Sitki

Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair is back for a day filled with free fun and educational activities at Pere Marquette State Park.

The event will take place on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pere Marquette State Park which is near Grafton on Illinois Route 100.

The annual Fishing Fair will include a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family. Participating children will find a catch-and-release bluegill pond, where young anglers can have their photograph taken with their catch; there will be more than 30 outdoor educational activities as well as free gifts and prizes. Every child who completes at least seven stations will receive a prize and have the chance to catch a trout in the trout pond.

Fetch-N-Fish is making a return and Jason Reynolds will be bringing his 4,000-gallon mobile aquarium that will be stocked with many of the fish species found in the Illinois River. He will also conduct fishing seminars throughout the day along with a couple of dog shows.

Entertainment will be provided by “Camo the Clown” and Alex Nagy of Twisted Cat Outdoors will be present with his tournament rig, interacting with attendees. There will be food available for purchase throughout the day.

“We want to get kids to get hooked on fishing, and the Family Fishing Fair helps connect kids and families to fun outdoor activities,” said Scott Isringhausen, Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban Fishing Coordinator. “Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to continue to offer this free event.”

Premiere sponsors include Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery, Farm and Home Supply, Walmart, State Farm Insurance of Jerseyville and Carrollton, and more.

The event is hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge (administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), and Pere Marquette State Park (administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources).

There is no charge to attend the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair or to catch a fish, and parking is free. No fishing license or fishing gear are needed to participate in the event. Fishing poles, bait, and supplies will be provided.

Volunteers are still needed. For more information, contact Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge at 618-883-2524 or Pere Marquette State Park at 618-786-3323 ext. 1.