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On Saturday morning, June 1, numerous kids came out to participate in the annual Fishing Rodeo, which took place at a stock pond outside the Plains Welcome Center.

“The fishing tournament is an annual event for kids. The kids fish from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.,” said Linda Harty, Manager of the Welcome Center. “We give out door prizes. The Sheriff’s Department is here. They give the kids hot dogs and chips.” Harty went on to say that the first responders come to the event and allow the kids to get on the vehicles so that they can see what it is like to be a first responder. “This year, we had the air evac helicopter and the kids were able to look at the helicopter and get an idea of what they do,” Harty said.

The fishing tournament consisted of four age groups with a first place trophy for the winner of each group. “We’re lucky to have all the partners that help us along with it. Interfor out of Preston donated as well,” Harty said.

The contestants were divided up into four age groups: 1-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-12 years old and 13-15 years old. Each of the winners of the age groups won a prize for the longest fish caught. The longest fish caught during the entire fishing rodeo was 18 and a quarter inches long.

In the 1-5 age group, Nate Evans was the winner with the longest fish caught. In the 6-8 year-old age group, Emily Barr was the winner, as she caught the longest fish of that age group. Sophie Jenkins caught the longest fish of the 9-12 year-old age group and Daylon Hubbard was the winner in the 13-15 year-old age group, as he caught the longest fish.