Families enjoy time together at annual Nathan Turner Fishing Derby

[June 07, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

Over this past weekend, there were so many things going on in and around Lincoln that it may have been a bit of a push for folks to take it all it. The up beat and perhaps somewhat frantic atmosphere did not extend to the Hickory Lane Campground outside Atlanta though, as families gathered for a laid-back morning of fishing at the annual Nathan Turner Fishing Derby.

The Derby is a product of the local D.A.R.E. programs and sponsored by the family of late Lincoln Alderman Nathan Turner. It is an opportunity for kids to be joined by parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members for a time of substance-free fun.

Lincoln Police Officer Christy Fruge leads the Lincoln D.A.R.E. program. She was excited about this year's turnout, saying that there were record numbers in attendance.

It was a perfect day. The weather was warm, but not suffocating, breezes were gentle, and best of all....the fish were biting! Many of the participants reeled in some nice sized catfish, while there were also those who managed to catch what might have been the smallest fish in the pond.

The morning-long event ended in a free grilled hot dog lunch, courtesy of D.A.R.E. and the announcement of prizing winning catches of the day.

Many members of the Lincoln Police Department and other emergency services were on hand helping out with lunch, and a few were there to spend time with their own children sitting on the banks of the pond with hopes of bringing in the catch of the day.

Fruge was excited about the turnout this year, and thankful for the sponsorship of the Turner family and the volunteers who turned out to help with food and other work.

She concluded saying she's already looking forward to next year and anticipates that the derby will be an important part of the local D.A.R.E. program for years to come.

[Nila Smith]