Benton Police Department will host the annual “Hooked on Fishing” Derby for children 12 and under from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 23 at Sunset Lake in Benton. Registration is free and will begin at 8:30 a.m. the day of the event. All participants will need to bring a fishing pole.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will provide truckloads of fish for participants to catch, and a grand prize will be awarded to the boy and girl who catch the largest catfish. Additionally, door prizes will be announced during the event. Lt. Mike Connell of BNPD helps organize the derby each year and said the effort that goes into it is worth it every time.
“We all know what an impact technology has had on society, particularly our youth, and to see kids just enjoying the outdoors and, in many cases, learning a new hobby, is extremely rewarding to all involved. It not only teaches them a potential lifelong hobby but allows further opportunity for officers and kids to have positive interaction, something BNPD prides itself on.”
This program is an extension of the #ProtectingOurFuture initiative which promotes above-and-beyond positive interaction with and examples for children in the community by BNPD officers. Officers will help teach children at this event the basics of fishing and reward them with prizes in various categories. In addition to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and BNPD, event sponsors include Benton Parks and Recreation, Benton Fraternal Order of Police, Benton Golden K Kiwanis, Mac’s Minnows & More and Lisa’s Bait Shop.
For more information, call BNPD at 501-776-5948. You can also follow BNPD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as download the free BNPD app available in iTunes and Google Play.
