Alabama Power Service Organization assists at kids’ fishing rodeo in Eufaula
More than 80 kids from ages 6 to 18 woke up bright and early to gather for one of the biggest fishing rodeos of the summer on Lake Eufaula. Action Marine and Eufaula Parks & Recreation teamed up to host the annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo at Old Creek Town Park.
The lake was stocked with 1,500 pounds of catfish weighing one to two pounds each provided by Auburn University.
Kids used their own rods and reels to compete for prizes, bicycles and t-shirts until 11 a.m.
This year marked the fifth annual fishing rodeo for Eufaula Parks & Recreation, and the third year Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) volunteers have supported the community tradition. The volunteers helped with registration, answered questions and assisted the anglers as needed.
“The fishing rodeo is a fun event for the youth and the entire community,” said Mallory Herring, Alabama Power community development specialist and vice president for the APSO Southeast Farley Chapter. “I do look forward to attending and assisting with it each year. It’s great to work with everyone who plays a role in this event.”
Prizes, including rods and reels, tackle boxes and t-shirts were awarded to winners. (Eufaula Parks and Recreation)
Rick Thorne, program coordinator for Eufaula Parks & Recreation, organized the event with his staff from the administration, recreation, maintenance and kayaking departments.
“I think this was one of our most exciting events of the year,” said Thorne. “It is amazing to watch the kids’ faces light up over all the fish and the competitions for the prizes.”
Prizes were awarded to first- and second-place winners across three age categories: 6–9 years old, 10–13 years old and 14–18 years old.
Winners in each age category received a rod, reel, tackle box and a t-shirt. These prizes were distributed evenly across the three events:
- Fishing rodeo: Awarded to the participants who caught the most fish.
- Casting competition: Awarded based on casting performance.
- Bicycle giveaway: Three bicycles were distributed, with one awarded to a winner in each age group.
“At the end of the rodeo, the nets are pulled in, and the kids catch all the fish they want by hand,” Thorne said. “It is amazing just to watch them. Seeing the kids and their families unite at this rodeo each year brings priceless joy.”
Prizes, including bicycles, were awarded to participants. (Eufaula Parks and Recreation)
Alabama Power Service Organization volunteers assisted the kids in casting their fishing lines at Eufaula Lake. (Eufaula Parks and Recreation)
