LINING THE BANKS-Hundreds of children and their parents covered the banks of the creek during the rodeo. (photo by Billy Kendall)

CELINA-A total of 2,000 nine inch rainbow and brook trout , along with over a dozen large display fish weighing up to five pounds, were released here in the creek below the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery recently for the 16th Annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo and over 200 children were on hand to enjoy the day.

Besides those released for the big event, rainbow trout were also stocked into the adjacent Obey River, giving those people not taking part in the Rodeo the opportunity to share this important resource on Tennessee’s “Free Fishing Day.”

Held in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, the Rodeo was open to kids age 15 and under and was cosponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the citizens of Clay County.

The event presents a unique opportunity for families to spend quality time together and to connect children with nature.

Expert face painters Teresa Nevans and Amy Behr were also kept quite busy all morning and The “Friends of Dale Hollow Lake” distributed free hot dogs and more donated by local businesses to patrons.

Bait was donated by Buford Bait Company and prizes, including monetary awards donated by Bank of Celina, were given away.

The master of ceremonies was Clay County sheriff Brandon Boone, who was given relief help by County Mayor Dale Reagan and Butch Burnette.  State Representative Kelly Keisling was also on hand for the event.

The volunteer help resulted in an overall attendance of 225 children and approximately 250 adults, with people coming from as far away as Indiana and Ohio making the trip to Celina to get the chance to catch a rainbow trout.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of this annual event,” hatchery manager Andy Currie said.  “Without this help, the Rodeo would not have been such a tremendous success.

“We would like to thank all of the businesses and individuals who donated prizes, tackle, bait, drinks, advertising, and effort to this year’s Kids’ Fishing Rodeo.”