May 11 , 2023 The Beacon • 29
Annual Lake Park Fishing Derby draws a crowd
By Marianne Austin
On May 6 young people and their families headed to Lake Park for the annual fishing derby sponsored by the Coshocton County Sportsman ’ s Association .
“ This will be the 32nd year of the Coshocton County kids fishing derby , and we are fortunate and blessed to have such a beautiful day for this after all the cold weather we ’ ve had ,” said Bob Bigrigg , treasurer of Coshocton County Sportsman ’ s Association and president of Friends of the Park . “ It is supposed to be 75 degrees and sunny , so we are looking forward to a huge registration this year . We certainly hope that they catch a lot of those fish that were stocked by Friends of the Park .
“ So far so good , we have everything set up , and it just started about 15 minutes ago . It ’ s looking great , and we are thankful for all our event sponsors and corporate sponsors that have invested in this to make it such a well-thought-of event . It seems people look forward to this event as much as any event that I am involved with during the year .”
“ We enjoy putting this on ,” said Bill Meiser , club president . “ It gets kids in the community outdoors and gives them something to do . It looks like it is going to
Marianne Austin
Candy and Jay Tarman brought five grandkids and two greatnephews to the fishing derby at Lake Park .
be a really nice day . We ’ re hoping they will catch a lot of fish , and we ’ re giving away a bunch of prizes . Each child gets a hot dog , chips and pop with their registration . We ’ re selling extras in a bag for $ 1 each .
“ We give money prizes for first , second and third place in each age group , and we have a drawing in each age group for prizes . Kids
bring their own pole and can fish anywhere they want on the lake . For any fish over 9 inches , they get $ 10 , and
Marianne Austin Cole Jones , 5 , caught a 10-inch crappie at the fishing derby .
any trout they get $ 10 .”
Cole Jones , 5 , caught a 10-inch crappie at the fishing derby . This was his first
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year . He has fished in family ponds for blue gill and bass .
“ This is my first time to come and bring the grandkids ,” Jay Tarman said . “ I took vacation time so I could be here today . This is a nice , little fishing spot . We brought five of our grandkids and two nephews with us today .”
Grandson Zaynn Langley caught four fish . “ He ’ s fished before , but this is his first time doing the fishing derby ,” grandma Candy Tarman said . “ This is my first time , but my husband has done it several times . He taught his boys to fish . I can ’ t believe Zaynn is being so patient . When he caught the first one , he was so excited .”