Poole Forge to host Children's Trout Derby

Youngsters are invited to take part in the 10th annual Children's Trout Derby that is set for Saturday, April 20, at Historic Poole Forge. Registration will be from 8 to 9 a.m., with fishing slated for 9 a.m. to noon. The free event will be held rain or shine.

No fishing license is required, and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Children will be divided into two age groups: ages 4 to 8 and ages 9 to 12. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in both groups. "(The contest will be) 'biggest fish caught and turned in first,'" explained Dawn Ekdahl, Poole Forge executive director. "If I have two children that turn in a 14-inch fish, the one that brings it to me first to be measured will get the prize." She added that the winners will also receive trophies.

Food will be available for purchase during the day from Father and Son Barbecue. "They will have breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and coffee," Ekdahl said. "They will stay throughout the afternoon with food for purchase."

The Conestoga Creek, which runs through the park, will be stocked by members of the Beartown Sportsman Association, who will also provide assistance at the derby.

"The Beartown Sportsman Association did a stocking for trout season, and they will stock again for the trout derby," said Ekdahl, noting that about 500 trout will be placed into the stream by club members. "We fence (the fish) in at each end of the park. That keeps the fish there. Once it is over, we pull the fences out and anyone can fish."

Ekdahl noted that between 150 and 180 youths take part in the annual event and that nearly all are able to catch a fish. "We have a lot of kids that go home with full stringers - a line you hang your fish on," she said, adding that children may also catch and release their fish if they choose.

Additionally, the Beartown Sportsman Association will hold its own derby on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to noon and the community is invited to attend. To learn more, message the club at http://www.facebook.com/Beartownsportsmanassoc.

Historic Poole Forge is a 26-acre site that includes an historic ironmaster's mansion, a children's playground, a picnic pavilion, a ball field, a nature trail, riparian buffers, wildflower meadows and gardens and a covered bridge that crosses the Conestoga Creek. The playground is open daily from dawn to dusk, and the grounds are open for hiking, dog walking, fishing, bicycling and picnicking. Swimming or tubing in the creek is not permitted.

The site also includes a book sharing box that is maintained by the Friends of the Honey Brook Community Library.

Historic Poole Forge is located at 1940 Main St., Narvon (Churchtown), 7 miles east of New Holland and 5 miles west of Morgantown. For more information, visit www.historicpooleforge.org or www.facebook.com/pooleforge. Those with questions may email Ekdahl at hpf1940@gmail.com.