'Casting for a Cure' is Saturday in McKenzie

McKENZIE — The Steve McCadams “Casting For A Cure” Kids Fishing Rodeo returns to McKenzie’s City Park Lake on Saturday, June 15 for a fun-filled morning where even little fish produce big smiles.

Kids age 15 and under are invited to participate in the free event which benefits The American Cancer Society.

For some twenty years, McCadams teamed up with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, McKenzie City Parks and Recreation, Relay For Life Volunteers and others to host the big event but the COVID pandemic disrupted the annual event for a few years.

“I’m glad to say the fishing rodeo is returning and we’re hoping to get back in step with the popular event for the kids and community,” said McCadams, a native of McKenzie and nationally known outdoorsman and outdoor writer.

Almost 6,000 children from several states have been introduced to the great sport of fishing since the rodeo’s conception at Carroll Lake some 23 years ago. For several it will be their very first fishing trip!

Special plaques and bicycles will be awarded to kids catching the most and biggest fish in four separate age brackets. Age brackets will be 5 and under, 6-8, 9-12, and 13-15 years of age.

“Returning to my hometown and hosting this rodeo is my favorite fishing day each year,” said McCadams, himself a cancer survivor. “Thanks to the help of a tugging catfish, lots of volunteers and donations, the festivity will build some self-esteem in these future fishermen as they fight fish and cancer at the same time.”

“With the help of donors who open their hearts and pocketbooks each year we send a lot of kids home with a prize and fond memory. I know we’ve made a positive impression on these kids over the years and in so doing we helped fight cancer at the same time,” continued McCadams, a member the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Legends of the Outdoors, who grew up fishing nearby Carroll Lake and participated in Jaycee fishing rodeos there in days gone by.

Participants are asked to arrive early for registration at the pavilion. Registration will be held from 8-9 a.m. with the actual competition taking place from 9-11 a.m. except for youngsters age 6 and below. The younger age bracket will fish one hour and weigh in their catch beginning at 10 a.m.

Kids are encouraged to bring their own bait and tackle. Concessions will be available benefiting Relay For Life.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn about the great sport of fishing while sharing some time with their family and friends,” said McCadams. “I wanted to do something to help fight this terrible disease that affects so many people. It’s especially sad to see young kids stricken with cancer but with events like these we can give them hope as we work together to find a cure.”

McKenzie’s City Park Lake is located at 570 Como Street next to Bethel University football stadium. For additional information email stevemc@charter.net or call 731-642-0360.

To support the rodeo or perhaps honor someone special send your tax deductible donation to: Steve McCadams, “Casting For A Cure” Kids Fishing Rodeo, 655 Anderson Drive, Paris, TN 38242.