The peak time for day use of Legion State Park in Winston County is now, and staff members are busy preparing for its annual fishing rodeo on Lake Toppasha. Since the early 2000s, the park has hosted the popular event for local children.
On Saturday, May 3, the Kids ‘N Kats Fishing Rodeo will be underway once again. This is a fun-filled fishing experience in a netted-off area stocked with catfish.
The event has become a generational pastime as some children return year after year.
“Over 100 people attend yearly, and last year participants totaled well over that number,” said Terri Grice, park manager. “Among them was a man who brought his daughter because he had often enjoyed it firsthand while growing up.”
It may be called Kids ‘N Kats, but the annual event attracts ages up to 15 years old.
“We typically include children ages 15 and under since 16 is the age when a fishing license becomes mandatory,” Grice said.
Children 15 and under should bring their own pole, tackle, bait, and fishing gear to enjoy a morning of outdoor adventure from 8-11 a.m. Registration is required upon arrival, and participants must be with an adult. The participation cost is free, which includes free admittance to the park for the morning.
Although a number of fish are caught, Grice said, the staff distributes some prizes for participants upon event conclusion.
Legion State Park has events and activities for all ages and all seasons, indoors and outdoors.
Upcoming for Legion State Park is the Mother’s Day Open on Saturday, May 10 for a Professional Disc Golf Association C-Tier Tournament hosted by Starkville-based Disc and That. This is a one-day, two-round sanctioned tournament with a shotgun start. Registration is available at www.discgolfscene.com. When not organized as a tournament, the Big Iron Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole tournament-style disc golf course, can be played at any time with the park access fee.
“Our park is an integral part of life for individuals and families year-round,” Grice said.
Along with the 12-acre Lake Toppasha and its encircling 1.6-mile Blue Bird Nature Trail, the park includes 4-acre Lake Palila and Legion Lodge.
Legion State Park is located at 635 Legion State Park Road in Louisville. The park office is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The park entrance fee is generally $2 per person with ages 5 and under admitted free. For questions about Legion State Park, contact Terri Grice, park manager, at (662) 773-8323.
