Don’t miss this great family event! The Parkland Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, August 10th at the Pine Trails Park fishing pier, 10555 Trails End, Parkland. Check-in will start at 7:45 am, and the sounding of a horn will start at 8 am with a finish at 10 am.
The Fishing Derby is a free event and open to all kids, ages 3 to 12. Anglers can win awards for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and most fish caught each event. Remember to bring your fishing poles, buckets and bait! Each fish caught will be weighed and prizes will be awarded.
The City of Parkland wants the community to come out to this summer event.
“The goal of the Parkland Fishing Derby is to encourage kids to go outdoors, enjoy quality time with their family, friends, and neighbors, and learn about fishing and wildlife. Also, if parents are seeking technology-free time for their kids, this is a perfect activity sans cell phones,” said Todd DeAngelis, Chief Communications Officer for the City of Parkland.
“The Derby started when we realized many families were regularly using- and enjoying quality time together- at the fishing pier at Pine Trails Park. In that regard, this event actually started with our residents. When we saw them using the pier, we decided to formalize an event around that concept,” added DeAngelis.
The Parkland Fishing Derby has become known as a family friendly event.
“f you’re wondering why this is a great family event, I’d encourage you to go to it. It won’t take long for you to figure out… dads and daughters, moms and sons, grandparents, brothers and sisters, everyone leaving their troubles at home and enjoying time together at the park. And though summer events in Florida can be hot, this event starts early enough that it beats the heat,” he said.
“The real value of this summer event, other than beating the heat with the early start, is the opportunity it provides residents to, at least one Saturday each month, to have a family activity formally organized. We love having events in which families interact not only among themselves, but one family with another. That’s how friendships begin, that’s how neighbors interact- it’s the very definition of community,” continued DeAngelis.
The young fishermen learn many valuable lessons from this event.
“Lessons that the kids learn from the Fishing Derby include patience. Let’s face it, there’s little that requires more patience than standing on a pier waiting for something to happen. The event also promotes sportsmanship and kindness. They learn the practice of gently releasing fish and being kind to nature. But, above all, it teaches kids at an early age, about the sense of community that is so prevalent in Parkland,” said DeAngelis.
The first two dates of the Parkland Fishing Derby have been well-attended and a lot of fun for everyone! The city continues to see the same faces returning year-after-year, but would love welcoming first timers.
- For more information on this event, call 954-757-4105.