Fishing Fair draws another big crowd to Pere Marquette

By Mark Ellebracht Big Z Media

The Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair had a little something for everyone on Saturday, June 10. A large crowd took advantage of a warm day and sunshine to attend the 34th year of the event where once again, all activities were free. Pere Marquette State Park hosted the event where kids and families took part in a variety of outdoor activities on the grounds in front of the lodge and visitors center.

There was a catch-andrelease bluegill pond where young anglers had their photograph taken with their catch; the One-Cast station, where everyone wins a prize; and bow-fishing stations where children could shoot at moving targets in a pool or at a 3D target. Every child who completed at least seven stations received a prize and chance to catch a trout in the trout pond.

Jason Reynolds brought his 4,000-gallon mobile aquarium stocked with many of the fish species found in the Illinois River. Jason also conducted a few shows

including dogs jumping into the water.

Camo the Clown was there again along with the Lodge Brothers band, and Wildheart. Alex Nagy of Twisted Cat Outdoors also brought his tournament rig. Big Z Media was also there with free giveaways for everyone who stopped by their tent.

Scott Isringhausen, Urban Fishing Coordinator for southern Illinois in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said, “We want kids to get hooked on fishing and get outdoors. Any time you can get kids

and parents away from the TV, their phones, and other distractions and see what the outdoor world has to offer is a good day.”

He said, “Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to continue to offer this free event. We are very fortunate to have the support of the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery as a Premier Sponsor, along with Farm and Home Supply, the Jersey County Board, Walmart, State Farm Insurance of Jerseyville and Carrollton, and many others.”

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. 3