PEDRO — On Saturday June 27, community youngsters ages 6 to 16 are invited to visit the Lake Vesuvius boardwalk on the Ironton Ranger District with their fishing poles, tackle boxes and bait to take part in a free fishing derby.

Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and fishing will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Winners will be announced at 12:30. In addition to fishing, the day will feature hot dogs, beverages, fun contests and educational activities.

Youngsters are encouraged to pre-register by visiting or calling the Wayne National Forest at 740-534-6500, but can also register at the derby from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants should bring their own fishing pole, bucket, and bait if they have them. Some poles and bait will be available for children who don’t have their own.

This event is co-sponsored by the Wayne National Forest, Lawrence County Bass Club, Isaak Walton League, and Ohio University Southern Nature Center.

The sponsoring organizations have a strong commitment to the community’s youth, and are proud to host a memorable day of fishing for kids and their families.

“Events like the fishing derby can be a great experience for kids and their families. Days spent fishing together are days that kids will remember and talk about for a long time,” said Kari Kirschbaum, Ironton District Wildlife Biologist.

The special event promotes the U.S. Forest Service’s “More Kids in the Woods” program, where national forests like the Wayne National Forest are connecting kids to nature and nature to kids with community partners.

The U.S. Forest Service has several inter-related programs to help engage children of all ages in nature-based activities to enrich their lives, promote health through outdoor experiences, and develop the next generation of forest stewards. For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/emphasis/kids.shtml.

Call the Ironton Ranger District office at 740-534-6500 with any questions or comments, or to pre-register for the upcoming fishing derby.