By Damarte Fisher, dfisher@natchitochestimes.com
Last Saturday, the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery sponsored a kids’ fishing derby. This event brought the community out to enjoy fun outdoor activities. They offered face painting and archery, the Shreveport aquarium had different breeds of fish on display, the Natchitoches Portable Park provided bounce houses and the sheriff’s department had the sheriff train, a ride for young children.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center provided food. The event drew over 400 people total, with 230 children attending and leaving with stringers of fish. “The main reason why we sponsor this event is to try and get the youth to be more active outdoors instead of being inside all day,” Hatchery Manager Grant Webber said. “It was the vision of the F.I.S.H. group (Friends In Support of the Hatchery) and the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery to inform, entertain and provide an enjoyable experience to help get kids ‘hooked on fishing.’” CCA Louisiana provided CCA memberships and hats to the youth.
Other organizations making the event a success include the Cane River Waterway Commission, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park and the Alexandria Zoological Park. “Thank you very much,” Webber said in reference to all sponsors and participants.
