Meeman-Shelby State Park’s Annual Kid’s Fishing Rodeo Slated for June 6

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – It’s time to dust off the fishing gear and head to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for its Annual Kid’s Fishing Rodeo, slated for Saturday, June 6.

The event will be held at Poplar Tree Lake and is free and open to the public. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the park’s Nature Center, with the rodeo to be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

“This is a great event for both kids and adults and we encourage everyone to join us for a day of fun, fishing and fellowship,” said Steve Smith, park manager. “Even the youngest of anglers will have an opportunity to catch a fish and there will be lots of door prizes.” 

Designed for ages 0-16, rodeo rules include limited help from parents and fishing from the bank only. However, boats may be used to cross the lake. Bait, including minnows and crickets, will be provided but participants must bring their own buckets and containers. Prizes will be awarded for largest fish, smallest fish and the most fish. 

Bordering on the mighty Mississippi River, two-thirds of this 13,467-acre park consists of bottomland hardwood forests of large oak, cypress and tupelo. The park also contains two lakes and many miles of hiking trails. The Meeman Museum and Nature Center is named for Edward J. Meeman, courageous conservation editor of Scripps-Howard newspapers who helped establish this park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park maintains a boat ramp on the Mississippi River. Deer, turkey, beaver and some 200 species of birds are abundant.

For more information about Meeman-Shelby’s Annual Kid’s Fishing Rodeo and other upcoming events, please contact Samantha Cox at (901) 876-5215 or visit www.tnstateparks.com/MeemanShelby.

Tennessee's 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups. State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free at 1-888-867-2757. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.