Pere Marquette to host Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair on June 6

SPRINGFIELD - Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, featuring fun and educational activities for the entire family, on Saturday, June 6.

Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park, which is near Grafton on Illinois 100. There are no admission or parking fees, and no fishing license or gear is needed to participate.

The fishing fair will feature a variety of outdoor activities. Participating children will find a catch-and-release bluegill pond, where young anglers can have their photograph taken with their catch. The popular One-Cast station ensures everyone wins a prize. And bow-fishing stations offer youth an opportunity to shoot at moving targets in a pool or at a three-dimensional target. Every child who completes at least seven stations will receive a prize and have a chance to catch trout from the pond.

Returning and new entertainment this year includes a 4,000-gallon mobile aquarium stocked with fish species found in the Illinois River; Hall of Fame fisherman Jimmy Houston; Tim Guraedy, known as "Mountain Man" from the television show "Duck Dynasty;" Camo the Clown; music by Steve and Jackie of Outlaw Opry; and food and beverages.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is hosting the event, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, which is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Event sponsors include the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery, Farm and Home Supply, the Jersey County Board, Jerseyville Walmart, and the State Farm offices in Jerseyville, Carrollton and Godfrey.

"We want to get kids hooked on fishing, and the Family Fishing Fair helps connect kids and families to fun outdoor activities," said IDNR urban fishing coordinator Scott Isringhausen. "Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to continue offering this free event."