The View 38002 June/July 2018 | Page 7

theview June-July 2018 .com Let’s Go to the Fishin’ Hole Story and Photos by Kim Odom, Special Events Coordinator, City of Lakeland. access. Tweed was presented a plaque by the Parks and Recreation Department for his dedication to the annual fishing rodeo in Lakeland for more than 10 years. Tweed has emceed the community-wide event since its existence. “The fishing rodeo is a great day for families who like to be outdoors,” said Tweed. “It’s a pleasure being part of this event. I look forward to every year.” Ella Burnett, 7, clung to the trophies she earned for “Most Fish Caught, Girl,” and “Longest Fish,” at the annual Children’s Fishing Rodeo Warm spring temps and calm winds, had youth anglers, ages 4- 12, reeling 'em in early on the morning of Saturday, May 19, 2018, for Lakeland's annual Children's Fishi ng Rodeo, hosted at the 5-acre lake at IH Park. The event was hosted by Parks and Recreation Department staff, and sponsored by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Lakeland Lions Club. Approximately 800-lbs of catfish were stocked in the lake earlier in the week by the TWRA. The City of Lakeland was awarded 300-lbs of catfish and prize giveaways by the TWRA, for the fishing rodeo. Seven-year-old, Ella Burnett of Lakeland, and eight-year-old, Leo Kimery of Mason, Tenn., reeled in the first two fish of the morning within minutes of dropping their lines. Ella, was not only the first girl to catch a fish, she also won the “Most Fish Caught, Girl,” category, and the “Longest Fish,” category. The big catch of the day measured in at 20.5”. The second grader at Lakeland Elementary went home with a stringer of seven catfish, and two trophies for her fishing efforts. Six-year-old, Hudson Tapp, found himself a nice fishing hole, and took home the trophy for the “Most Fish Caught, Boy,” category. He reeled in 20 catfish for the day. The Lakeland Elementary kindergartner, caught the most fish of anyone at the rodeo. His granddad, Donny, caught two hefty catfish himself, when TWRA officer, and emcee Summer Camp Round-Up AHS Soccer Kids Camp August 6-9; 6:00 pm-7:30 pm AHS Soccer Field. Cost; $75 for ages 5-12 Contact: [email protected] Arlington Community Tennis Camps Colonial Country Club July 23-27 8:30 am -9:30 am Rising Stars (K-2nd) $60 9:45 am - 11 :00 am Elementary 101(3rd-5th) - $75 12:00 pm -1:30 pm Middle School 101(6th -8th) - $90 Director, Julie Moultrie Arlington Community Tennis Head Coach USPTA Certified Elite Pro Registration info: [email protected] of the event, Andy Tweed, gave grandparents a chance to fish. All in all, it was a pretty good day of fishing for the Tapp family, and others coming out for the event. The TWRA manages the fish and wildlife habitats throughout the state. They foster safe and lawful activity through law enforcement, education, and Right Above: Six-year-old, Hudson Tapp, waits his turn to have his biggest catfish measured. Right Below: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officer, Andy Tweed, took official measurement for the “Longest Fish,” award at the annual Children’s Fishing Rodeo. Tweed also emceed the event, and was awarded a plaque for more than 10 years of dedication to the event in Lakeland. Page 7