Severe weather and scheduling conflicts led city officials to postpone Saturday’s Youth Fishing Derby until June 15. 

RELATED: Showers likely this weekend

In partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), the City of Arkadelphia’s Parks and Recreation Department was set to host its annual Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 20 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. With over an 85% chance of thunderstorms and severe weather for Saturday morning, city officials decided to postpone the event to a later date. 

“The safety and wellbeing of our participants and staff is our top priority,” Parks and Recreation Director Stuart Tapson said. “If the forecast stays the course, it will not be safe for anyone to be out at the pond on Saturday. [Arkansas] Game and Fish has been wonderful in helping us work through this issue, and we look forward to hosting this event with them in June.” 

AGFC co-hosts dozens of Fishing Derbies across the state through its Fishing Derby program. Cities/organizations apply to host the event with AGFC. If approved, the commission will stock the pond and assist with the event. It is a months-long process with limited availability. Due to the popularity of the program, the next available date for AGFC to participate was June 15. 

“Between the commission’s schedule and our spring youth sports schedule, the next available date ended up being June 15,” Tapson said. “While it is 2 months away, it might work out for the best. The derby will now be held on Father’s Day weekend which we think will be a lot of fun.” 

The 4-hour event will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 15. Designed for children ages 6-18, the Youth Fishing Derby exposes area children to the sport of fishing for leisure or competition. 

Fishing poles and bait will not be provided. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest catch (by weight) and the most fish caught (by weight, max of 3 fish). In addition to the competition, there will be a raffle prize giveaway throughout the 4-hour event. 

“The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has been a fantastic partner for [Arkadelphia Parks and Rec] over the past couple of years,” Tapson said. “They continue to provide top-of-the-line services and activities for our residents and we are grateful for their involvement in Clark County.” The Youth Fishing Derby will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at noon on Saturday, June 15. CLICK HERE for more information.