The Legacy of the Family Fishing Fair: A Community Treasure

By Editor | May 21, 2025 |

By Gretchen Steele

Outdoor Illinois Journal

For 36 years, the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair at Pere Marquette State Park has been a cornerstone of outdoor education and recreation, bringing together families, volunteers and organizations in a celebration of fishing and conservation. At the heart of this enduring event is Scott Isringhausen, a dedicated figure whose passion for fishing and youth education has made the fair what it is today. For most who enjoy visiting or volunteering at this annual event, the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair is synonymous with Isringhausen.

A Humble Beginning

The idea for the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair was born from a conversation between Isringhausen and Jerry Olmstead, a fellow conservationist from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Olmstead suggested an event centered around National Fishing Week, and Isringhausen, an avid fisherman and educator, as well as the Site Interpreter at Pere Marquette State Park, saw the potential to engage the community in a meaningful way. With support from the Illinois Department of Conservation (now Illinois Department of Natural Resources) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the first fair was held near the river in a small parking lot.

The inaugural event drew about 150 attendees—a modest start to what would become a beloved annual tradition. One of the event’s most ardent supporters, famed outdoor writer and radio show host Larry Reid, was there that first year with his boat and helped teach youngsters how to cast from a bass boat. Reid did not miss a single Fishing Fair from that point forward and continued to support and volunteer each year until his death in December 2021 at the age of 82. He was honored posthumously at the 2022 Fishing Fair, and his wife Jan, also a long-term volunteer and supporter of the fishing fair, was presented with a plaque.

Growth Through Community Support

Within a few years, the fair’s popularity exploded. Local businesses, civic organizations, and government agencies saw the value in the event and stepped up to offer sponsorships and assistance. The Jersey County Bass Club was an early supporter, and the involvement of groups such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been instrumental in sustaining the fair’s growth. Isringhausen also pointed out that Randy Holbrook, currently the IDNR Ecosystem Program Coordinator, has been a most valuable partner in ensuring the success of the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair for many years.

By 1993, despite the challenges of the Great Flood, the event had established itself as a staple in the community, the greater St. Louis metro area, and throughout southwestern Illinois, drawing thousands of visitors. Today, the fair welcomes an estimated 5,000 attendees annually, including more than 2,000 children who participate in hands-on activities, interactive exhibits and fishing demonstrations. This growth is a testament to the community’s support and the fair’s enduring appeal.

“The Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair is truly special,” said Ralph Loos, editor of Illinois Outdoor News. “I volunteered at the event 25 years ago and, to be honest, I had just as much fun as the youngsters. There was just excitement everywhere. I returned a few years ago and discovered the atmosphere has not changed. I saw adults having just as much fun as the youngsters, and I saw youth learning that the outdoors can be a pretty cool place.”

A Hands-On Learning Experience

One of the fair’s main attractions is its hands-on learning stations. With more than 30 stations available, children and families can engage in activities such as knot-tying, fish identification, casting techniques and even bowfishing. The event’s trout pond is a favorite, allowing children to catch a trout, learn how to clean it while having it cleaned and cook the trout on-site.

Other unique features have emerged over the years, including a bowfishing station, an aquarium showcasing native fish species, and educational exhibits featuring live frogs, snakes and turtles. In addition, special guests, including those planned for the 2025 Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, such as Jimmy Houston and Mountain Man from Duck Dynasty, have joined the festivities, further enhancing the fair’s appeal.

Volunteers: The Backbone of the Event

Each year, the fair relies on the dedication of more than 200 volunteers. These individuals, many of whom return year after year, help run stations, set up exhibits and ensure that every child has a memorable experience.

Isringhausen emphasized the importance of these volunteers, noting that without them, the event wouldn’t be possible.

“It takes a tremendous amount of effort to put this together,” he said. “Every child who comes here will leave with some type of prize—whether it’s a fishing pole, a tackle box or a cooler. That’s all thanks to our sponsors and volunteers.”

Throughout, Isringhausen humbly downplays his role while stressing the importance of collaboration among agencies, businesses and volunteers.

A Commitment to Conservation and Education

The primary mission of the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair is to introduce new anglers to the sport and to educate them about the importance of conservation. As Isringhausen puts it, his goal is “to get people hooked on the outdoors instead of some of the less desirable things out there.” This commitment to conservation and education is inspiring and motivates community members to support the fair’s mission.

The fair provides a unique opportunity for children who have never fished before to develop an interest in the sport. One particularly memorable story shared by Isringhausen involved a participant who, after attending the fair for the first time (having never fished before that visit), went on to purchase a boat and equipment and was successfully fishing in tournaments within a year.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ConocoPhillips, the event promotes sustainable fishing practices and environmental stewardship. This role in promoting sustainability encourages community members to feel responsible and part of a more significant environmental cause by supporting the fair.

Looking to the Future

While the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair has thrived for more than three decades, its future may be uncertain. Isringhausen stressed that he has no plans for retirement anytime soon. He loves his current role in the IDNR Division of Fisheries’ Urban and Community Fishing Program. However, Isringhausen has been the driving force behind the event. He acknowledges the challenges of finding someone with the same passion and dedication to carry it forward when he does decide to retire.

“It really takes a local person with a deep connection to the community to make something like this work,” he said. “If you don’t have that, it’s not going to be the same.”

Despite these concerns, the fair continues to attract strong community support. Businesses such as Farm & Home, State Farm, Walmart, and local banks remain steadfast in their sponsorship, ensuring that the event remains accessible and free to all attendees.

An Invitation to Get Involved

As the fair prepares for another successful year, organizers are always on the lookout for new volunteers and sponsors. Whether assisting at a station, helping with setup, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways for community members to get involved.

For those interested in volunteering, Isringhausen encourages them to reach out to Pere Marquette State Park (see box) or visit the IDNR website for more information.

A Lasting Legacy

The Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair is more than just an event—it’s a testament to the power of community collaboration, education and outdoor recreation. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated individuals like Scott Isringhausen and countless volunteers, thousands of children have discovered the joys of fishing and the beauty of nature.

As Isringhausen reflects on his time leading the event, he remains grateful for the memories and the impact the fair has had. “There aren’t many things that last 36 years,” he said. “But this—this has been something special.”

For families seeking a fun, educational, and free way to spend a Saturday, the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair at Pere Marquette State Park is an experience not to be missed.

Gretchen Steele hails from Coulterville. Steele is a freelance outdoor communicator. Her award-winning work appears as a regular columnist and contributing feature writer for Heartland Outdoors, Illinois Outdoor News and several Illinois newspapers. She enjoys spending her time afield as a volunteer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Retrievers Unlimited and the Illinois Federation of Outdoor Resources. She is the President of Missouri Outdoor Communicators and a former board member of Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. This story originally appeared in the Outdoor Illinois Journal.