Celebrate the end of summer at the 11th Annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby which takes place at the Oconaluftee River Islands Park on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 7am – 2pm. Children can pre-register on Friday, Aug. 3 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds beginning at 10am.
Participants line the Oconaluftee River at a previous Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
Pre-registration and line up before 8am on Saturday morning guarantees your child will receive gear. This year, children with an armband also get free admission to Unto These Hills outdoor drama and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. The trout derby is free for children ages 11 and younger and children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is accessible to children with disabilities. This year also includes the Carolina Dock Dogs 2nd annual Cherokee Dock Warriors event which features a dog water competition event.
Events taking place on Friday at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds pre-registration include a dance show by Deer Clan Productions, the 2nd Cherokee Dock Warriors Open Practice, the Dock Dogs Dock Warriors Big Air Wave and a special prize event for registered children.
Saturday, the Oconaluftee Island Park registration and gear pick up beings at 6am. The Island opens at 7am with breakfast for participants. Opening remarks begin at 7:45am and at 8am fishing begins. There is a five trout limit per registered child, free bait and tackle while supplies last and you can bring your own bait and tackle, but no treble hooks are allowed!
Children and Parents should wear water-friendly shoes and shorts, bring towels, snacks for the family, a cooler for fish and portable chairs.
The Cherokee Dock Warriors event begins after the trout derby at 2pm with the Big Air Wave #2, at 4pm Big Air Wave #3 and at 6pm Extreme Vertical Competition. On Sunday, Aug, 5, the Cherokee Dock Warriors continues at 9am Big Air Wave #4, 11am Big Air Wave #5, 1pm Speed Retrieve (Finals follow) and 3pm Division Finals.
Info: www.cherokeetroutderby.com.
– Lynne Harlan, EBCI Public Relations
