GRAFTON - Area youth are in for a big day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton on Illinois Route 100 with the Annual Family Fishing Fair event.
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).
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Video from Previous Fishing Fair:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Urban Fishing Coordinator Scott Isringhausen said IDNR is very fortunate to have Phillips 66 as a prime sponsor, along with Farm and Home Supply in Jerseyville, the Jersey County Board, Walmart, and State Farm Insurance of Jerseyville and Carrollton, along with many others.
“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.
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 is needed to participate in the event. All participants in the event will be required to observe current guidance from the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health regarding the use of face masks and social distancing.
The annual Fishing Fair will include multiple outdoor activities. Children will find a catch-and-release bluegill pond where young anglers can have their photograph taken with their catch; the popular One-Cast station, where everyone wins a prize; and bow fishing stations where children can shoot at moving targets in a pool or at a 3D target. Every child who completes at least seven stations will receive a prize and have the chance to catch a trout in the Pere Marquette trout pond.
A 3,000-gallon mobile aquarium will be featured this year, stocked with many of the fish species found in the Illinois River. Fishing seminars will be presented throughout the day, featuring Billy Hurt providing a variety of fishing information. Entertainment will be provided by “Camo the Clown” and the Lodge Brothers band. There will be food available for purchase throughout the day.
For more information, contact Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge at 618-883-2524 or Pere Marquette State Park at 618-786-3323 ext. 1.
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