Two lucky volunteers got to help release the catfish. [Photos by Elizabeth Jamison]

Something smells fishy at Windmont Park — and local kids are ready for it. The annual fishing rodeo returns this Saturday, June 6, inviting young anglers to cast their lines and compete for prizes in a morning full of fun.

On Thursday, June 4, 1,300 pounds of channel catfish, ranging from one to five pounds, were released by Herman Brothers Fisheries into Windmont pond in preparation for the fishing rodeo.

The fish are scooped up with a net and deposited into the pond.

Andrew Dwyer, executive director of parks, said the rodeo is a great way to bring kids of all ages together. He has seen kids young and old help each other out.

“I’ve seen 12 and 13-year-olds help out five-year-olds, and even the other way around,” Dwyer said.

One helper took a splash to the face on Thursday, when the fisheries unloaded the catfish.

The rodeo is a fun way for kids 16 and under to win prizes and indulge in the enjoyment of fishing. There are a variety of prizes participants can win.

In the fish haul, the fishery included albino catfish. For the first five children who catch one of the white fish, they will win a $20 cash prize. The first few children to catch a fish will receive a free T-shirt. Special prizes will be awarded to one lucky boy and girl who catch the largest and smallest fish. Walmart has also generously donated bicycles to one lucky boy and girl, Dwyer said.

Families look on as the pond is stocked for the annual fishing rodeo set for Saturday.

Dwyer said the park district and the community are grateful to the Oldeen family for their donation that pays for the stocking of the pond each year, and Dwyer gave a special shout out to Joe Desmit who has contributed his time and efforts to the event, and who this year, received the Kewanee Park District Child’s Best Friend award.

Joe DeSmit, left, is presented with the Kewanee Park District’s Child’s Best Friend award by Park Commissioner Michael Heberer. The award acknowledges DeSmit’s work for the annual rodeo. [Photo provided]

The fishing rodeo is free and open to local area kids. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Fishing lines will hit the water at 8 a.m., and prizes will be awarded at 10 a.m. The park district will supply worms for participants, and kids are reminded to bring their fishing poles.

Dwyer is also reminding the public that fishing is only open to children 16 and under during the month of June in honor of the rodeo.

The event is expected to be a fin-tastic day. For more information, contact the park district office at 309-852-2872.