Roodhouse PD Kids Fishing Derby on June 3

By Editor | May 10, 2023 |

By Carmen Ensinger

It is not officially summer until the Roodhouse Police Department has their annual Kid’s Fishing Derby. This year will mark the 27th Annual Derby which means there will be some second generation fishermen out there casting their poles.
“I’m sure there will be some fathers out there who attended this very same event when they were kids,” Roodhouse Police Chief Kyle Robison said. “Now, they are bringing their own children to it. It is a tradition they are passing down.”
The fishing derby was started many years ago under Sergeant Jack Speeks and the Speeks family.
“I think there were a few years that they didn’t hold it for one reason or another,” Robison said. “But, in 2013, we brought it back to life and continued the derby with the purpose of getting kids outdoors while spending time with family. We hope that Sgt. Speeks would be proud that the derby continues and we offer a sportsmanship award on behalf of Sgt. Speeks.”
The fishing derby is made possible because of donations to the police department’s youth fund and is entirely free.
“We have several people who make the event possible, including Killion Communications along with Farm and Home Supply, who play a major role in the success of the derby,” Robison said. “If it were not for these two, specifically, it would be hard for us to continue. Killions and Farm and Home always find a way to stay involved in the community. We also have several private donations throughout the year which is always a help.”
Those donations are used to buy prizes, and lots of them, to give away to the kids.
“We will have plenty of prizes to give away, such as fishing tackle and we are known for giving away a lot of bicycles,” Robison said. “We want kids outdoors and active. We do need more donations in the form of bicycles. If you would like to help by just donating a bicycle, we would greatly appreciate it.”
The fishing derby will be held at the Roodhouse Rez at the pavilion, next to the campsite, on June 3 from 9 a.m. to noon with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. There will be two age groups – 3 years of age to 10 and 11 to 16. The winners in each age group will get trophies.
There will be free donuts for breakfast and a free lunch of hot dogs, chips and a drink.
“You do not need to be a resident to fish at the derby,” Robison said. “Just show up and be a good sportsman – even if you catch nothing. We will have plenty of fun fishing – rain or shine.”
After the fishing derby is open, there will also be a frog-jumping contest.
“Many of the kids stick around for this contest as well,” Robison said. “It is fun and the kids love it. We will offer medals to the winners as well.”