FAMILY FUN DAY(cont.)

set the stage for this year, which has been a full year in planning, he said.

With COVID-19 protocols relaxed in 2022, the FCFP has been able to return to its regular Family Fun Day activities around the state.

“Terry has been instrumental in making this event a success,” Jackson said.

“We’re talking about providing food, water and outdoor fun to more than 1,000 attendees. I wish we had someone like him in every county. Having conservation partners such as Terry allows AGFC to extend its reach and presence in communities around the state.”

Esperanza Bonanza, a group that includes Wirth and other local volunteers, is a sponsor along with River City Sprinklers, the local 4-H and Marion Minor Medical, a local clinic.

“I can’t thank the Esperanza team members enough for all the hard work they did,” Wirth said.

Wirth recalls learning to fish with his cousins as a child. He and a friend now enter crappie tournaments – “nothing serious,” he added – and Wirth tries during the summer to get out on the water fishing every weekend, when work allows. He also has a 7-year-old son, Tanner, the youngest of Wirth’s six children, who enjoys fishing with dad.

“He was out there (at the derby) last year.”

Mark Rose, a pro angler on the Major League Fishing circuit from Wynne and a close friend of Wirth, has donated a variety of prizes to be given away Saturday. “He’ll be in a tournament this time, but I’m going to try to get him out there next year,” Wirth said. Hot dogs, chips and drinks also will be available.

Anyone can sign up for the event at register-ed. com/events/view/181315.

Anglers 16 years of age and older will need to have an Arkansas fishing license.