Iola police officers have introduced a generation of youngsters to the joys of fishing with their annual “Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs” campaign.
Their organizer hopes to continue such efforts well into the future.
The 16th annual HOFNOD derby returns Saturday to Abbott’s pond, near the intersection of North Cottonwood Street and Miller Road.
Youngsters ages 2-17 will vie for prizes for the largest and most fish, with other prizes for the biggest and smallest fish pulled from the pond.
All in attendance will receive a prize of some sort, organizer Mike Ford said.
“We have the prizes set up where they register, and the kids pick what they want,” said Ford, community resource officer with the Iola Police Department.
While several businesses have chipped in to pay for the prizes and other necessities, the campaign has lost a pair of significant contributors in recent years, Ford said.
“As a result, we’ve relied mainly on the prizes we’ve accumulated from past years to give away, but those are starting to run out,” Ford said.
Anybody interested in donating to HOFNOD can call Ford at 365-4960.
More than 180 youngsters participated in last year’s derby.
“Kids are still interested in it,” Ford said.
SATURDAY’S derby begins at about 9:15, although youngsters are encouraged to show up by 8 a.m. for registration.
Officials will explain the rules before the first line is cast.
Fishing runs until 11 o’clock when lunch is served.
Prizes and trophies will be given away at noon.
The fishing competition will be divided into three age categories: 2-8, 9-12 and 13-17.
