Kid's Annual Fishing Tournament

In 1989, Robin Johnson began the first kid's fishing tournament, with the help of her husband Dave. Robin wanted to do something to make people aware and practice anti-drugs, and at the same time bring families together for a day of togetherness and fun. This would also draw the community together by the support they each gave the fishing tournament.

This non-profit event is designed to place children and their families in an atmosphere of wholesome entertainment, while providing education on the negative effects of drug abuse. In addition, kids and adults may join in the opportunity to enjoy the fun and rewards of participating in a wholesome family - community event.

On the last weekend in April, families spend the day together fishing. During the day they fish, then bring their fish to be weighed. When they bring their fish to be weighed they pick up their goodie bag, and a toy. The goodie bag is filled with anti-drug literature, other helpful literature, fruit, drinks, and small toys, and many other goodies. At 3:00pm, those in line have their fish weighed. Trophy winners are determined in all the major categories by their weight. There is a total of 42 trophies and cash amounts for each trophy. At this time, a large crowd that gathers for the trophy presentations that are announced and handed out. Following the trophy presentations, the grand prizes winners names are drawn from all who register to fish (to register is to pay $1.00 and sign names and addresses). There are sometimes as many as 25 or more grand prizes. This is the conclusion to a great day of family and community togetherness.

Some of the Staff/Members that are involved include: Danny, Connie, Joshua & Christopher Baker, Sheila & Justin Gross, Layne & Dawn Rogers, Anna & Marilyn Turrentine, Wesley & Morgan Bryant, Kim Jones, Lisa Morris, Alan Smith, Chris Paluzzi, Roland McKinnies, Jill Krantz, Jack & Alisha Griggs, Joe McKinney, Robin Johnson, Myra Chambliss, Jeanette Bebout, Glenda Taylor, Tommy Gill, and Michael Arrington. Many others help on the day of the tournament.

It is time to start preparing for this year's kid's fishing tournament. Our church family sponsors and provides a place for this event. The 15th annual fishing tournament will take place Saturday, April 24th. The children will register and pay $1.00 at Proctor's Market, 5823 B Clarksville Highway, to fish in the tournament. Every child that has entered the tournament has his or her name put in a box.

Last year there were 28 grand prizes given out. They consisted of many different large prizes such as bicycles, TV's, VCR, boom boxes, skateboard, savings bonds, Hinkle Rocking chairs, too many to name. Last year 514 children signed up to fish in this tournament. At the end of the day approximately 400 children with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends left the Joelton Church of Christ parking lot arm in arm, hand in hand, smelling of fish, mud on their britches and huge smiles on their faces. In that one day we never know how many lives were touched or influenced by the good works of the Joelton Church of Christ, but if we touched one soul we were successful.

We need everyone's help in putting this tournament together. There are many things that need to be done. Please offer to help in anyway you can. Please talk to Connie Baker, Sheila Gross, Lisa Morris . Thank you for your help this year and in years past.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 19:14