OSAGE BEACH, Mo. -- The annual Take a Kid Fishing Derby is an increasingly popular free activity for children and their families to try to hook a big catch or learn how to fish from local experts.
For the first three years, children had a three-hour run of fishing at the Osage Beach City Park's fully stocked pond. Due to reconstruction at the city park last year following August 2013 storm damage, the event moved to Lake of the Ozarks State Park's Pa He Tsi ramp last year.
"We still had between 50 to 80 kids attend the event, and hope to expect as many or more this year to the state park Saturday," said Bill Cassidy, Osage Beach Bait & Tackle owner and event organizer.
In its fifth year, the annual derby drew even more kids - more than 100 - Saturday at the Pa He Tsi ramp in Osage Beach.
Five years ago, Cassidy wanted to honor his friend, the late Jerry Adams, a noted outdoorsman and radio and TV personality.
Cassidy took over Adams' "Outdoors in the Ozarks" radio show on 97.5 FM and 1150 AM stations two years ago, and now calls it "Fishing in Lake of the Ozarks." In talking about his dear friend on the show, he mentioned starting a children's fishing derby in honor of Adams, who was an advocate and charitable contributor to children in need and in teaching them to fish.
This mention spurred three quick $100 donations in on-air phone calls, the first of many. The event grew larger.
With immediate support from the City of Osage Beach and donations, the inaugural Jerry Adams "Take a Kid Fishing" event was organized with less than six weeks preparation.
Cassidy and his fellow organizers beamed as they saw the first event reel in big success with 92 kids participating, 76 adults in attendance and 25 volunteers on hand.
As well as honoring the late Jerry Adams, Cassidy said the Take a Kid Fishing Derby also honors Wayne Drysdale, his friend, fisherman and dedicated volunteer who has helped since the event's inception.
"There has never been a man I've seen that loves children as much as Wayne," he said. "He loves fishing, and he and his wife, Carol, have always been there to help with this event in the past. That is why I would like to also honor him along with Jerry. Thank you, Wayne, for everything you have done and continue to do in our community."
Admission was free and children received help from Lake area fishing experts in casting, reeling and catching a variety of bluegill, crappie and catfish along the state park's banks. Osage City staffers helped with cleaning fish, while other volunteers provided bratwurst, hot dogs and hamburgers and other refreshments.
With the handful of sponsors contributing $1,500, lots of children in attendance received cash prizes, as well as a variety of toys and other gifts.