An annual outdoor family event is set for Saturday at Lake No. 16 of the Fremont State Recreation Area.
The Bob Bruner Memorial Free Fishing Derby is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon with free food and various activities. Barry Reker, one of the event organizers with Dave Heller, said the derby coincides with the Nebraska Game and Parks annual free fishing day.
“Anywhere throughout the entire state on Saturday you don’t need a park entry permit or a fishing license,” he said.
Each child accompanied by a parent or guardian will receive a free rod and reel. There is also something new for 2024.
“Something that we came up with this year was anyone 65 (or older) as well as veterans will get a free rod and reel if they come out,” Reker said.
Free hot dogs, sloppy joes and pop will be served while supplies last. Wonder Woman will make an appearance from 10 a.m. to noon. Fontenelle Forest will present “Birds of Prey” from 10 to 11 a.m. while Critter Close-ups is set for 11 a.m. to noon.
Snakes on the Plain, featuring the snakes of Nebraska, will be available from 9 a.m. to noon. The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District will hand out trees while supplies last.
“There will be a lot of other fun things going besides the derby,” Reker said.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be on hand.
“They will be setting up an area where if you bring your boat out there, they’ll do a safety inspection on it for absolutely free,” Reker said. “They’ll make sure everything is copacetic. Then they’ll give you a big sticker that you display on your boat saying that it has been inspected.”
Chris Walz and Greg Wagner will be broadcasting from the event on 98.9 FM and 1340 AM.
Reker is grateful for the help of various volunteers including Boy Scout Troops 109 and 492. They both help set up all of the rod and reels so that they are ready to go when the fishermen arrive.
“If it wasn’t for the volunteers, there is no way we could get this done,” he said.
He is also thankful for the support of all of the sponsors.
“It is all a group effort,” he said. “It is just a really fun day. Last year we had about 750 families show up and hopefully we get that kind of turnout again this year. I would love to see that again.”
