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4th annual Fishing Rodeo Saturday

Local pro angler Mark Rose issues invitation to area kids

ralphhardin@gmail.com On Saturday, Sept. 24, the fourth annual Mark Rose fishing rodeo will take place at Tilden-Rodgers Park in West Memphis.

Rose, a professional fisherman and West Memphis native, holds this event near and dear to his heart. “The vision that I had originally was of giving back to the community in some way,” Rose explained at last year’s rodeo. “It was a goal of mine to have a big event around the lake every year, but I wanted it to be done right, as well.”

Rose got help from Donnie Underwood at First Community Bank, Angel’s Way Baptist Church, the West Memphis Parks Department and a host of volunteers to make his vision a reality.

“We have a good group of people that make this thing run, and it’s run right,” added Rose.

Rose said that the number of children participating in the 2015 rodeo was roughly the same as previous years, which was a healthy number. “That’s the best part,” Rose said of the local children’s involvement. “I like to make the kids feel special. A lot of kids caught their very first fish at our rodeo, and that’s a really special moment. I certainly remember my first fish, and I hope that they remember theirs.”

This year’s rodeo promises to continue that tradition, now in its fourth year. Registration is from 7 to 8 a.m.

Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m., and runs through 11:30 a.m. The event is free, open to kids in kindergarten through age 15. It’s a bringyour- own-pole-and-bait event, and each child must be accompanied by an adult.

“Catching little green fish has provided me my livelihood,” said Rose. “And it’s a great way to give back to these kids.”

There will be fun, food and prizes, and it all happens

this Saturday at Gammon Lake at Tilden

Rodgers Park in West Memphis.

By Ralph Hardin