Thank you to all who have participated in the Neil McKenzie Memorial Youth Fishing Contest in the past. This year’s derby is on hold for 2022. Neil always enjoyed hearing about kids’ fishing adventures, so families and friends are encouraged to Keep Kids Fishin’ any way you can!

Several surrounding lakes and rivers have public fishing piers or county parks with water access. If you’re going fishing, whether on land or in a boat, ask your neighbor kid to come along or invite one of your child’s classmates to go fishing, too! Everyone will have a great time and the kids will have stories to tell. (You know the kind… tales of fish that get longer each time the stories are told). 😉

Wishing you all a wonderful summer; and, as always, thanks for doing what you can to Keep Kids Fishin’.

​And to the kids, Keep Tellin’ Your Stories… Neil would be proud!

Looking ahead as we all are and doing what we can to keep everyone safe until then, the Polk County Fair returns to St. Croix Falls, July 29-August 1, 2021! The Polk County Sportsmen's Club, a co-sponsor of the Neil McKenzie Memorial Youth Fishing Derby since its inception, will again run its renowned food booth serving up delicious brats and other fun fair food! Please consider volunteering for a shift as a way to give back to the Club for its years of support of the Derby. Call Sportsmen's Club President Randy, 715-554-3922, to find out more. We'd love to see you there!

PS: You're always welcome to attend the monthly Sportsmen's Club meetings in Balsam Lake. Ask Randy about becoming a member!
​
#KeepKidsFishin' #FunAtTheFair #GiveBack #StaySafeHaveFun

https://polkcountyfair.com/

Keep Kids Fishin’!
ST CROIX FALLS, WI – Since June 2004, kids of all ages have enjoyed fishing in the Neil McKenzie Memorial Youth Fishing Derby on Deer Lake, Polk County, WI. The past year was a most difficult time for each of us while navigating social distancing and keeping everyone safe during the pandemic. We cancelled last year's fishing derby; and, again this year, find ourselves making the same decision out of an abundance of caution. We must continue taking action to keep everyone safe until we can get back to gathering for community events. Common sense is being used to not gather as a group this year but ask that you Keep Kids Fishin' in your own way.Since the derby will not be held this year, families are encouraged to be safe, be well, and take their kids fishing. Whether standing on the shore of a lake or river, finding a public dock or fishing pier, or climbing into a rowboat to be out on the water, do what you can to Keep Kids Fishin’ and tellin' their stories.  The many volunteers who guided kids, served food, drove boats/pontoons, and donated to this annual event in the past will be pleased to know that kids are continuing this tradition with their families this year.
The Neil McKenzie Memorial Youth Fishing Derby has provided a free day of learning and fishing on the water for kids since June 2004. Co-sponsored by The Polk County Sportsman’s Club and family and friends of Neil McKenzie, the event has been supported by businesses, donors, volunteers,  game wardens, lake-home owners, and the New Lagoon Campground and Condominium Association where the derby has been hosted. This rite of passage to summer has been a hit for all who have an interest in fishing. Some kids have come for their first exposure to fishing and others have come for several years. It’s the kids’ stories told along the way that make it worthwhile.
Whether or not the kids in your life fished the derby in prior years, you are encouraged to do what you can this summer to get kids outdoors to experience nature. Like Neil always was, you will be amazed at the excitement in the kids’ voices as they tell their stories of seeing an eagle high up in a tree or of their holding on tightly to a wiggly worm while baiting their fishing hook and hoping to feel a tug at the end of the line. Listen to the stories of the kids. It will make your spirit soar. Thank you for carrying on this tradition and doing what you can to Keep Kids Fishin’ and tellin’ their stories.
#  #  #

ST CROIX FALLS, WI – Looking ahead to June 8, 2019, another memory-making day for kids fishing on Deer Lake as part of the 16th annual Neil McKenzie Memorial Youth Fishing Derby is in the planning stages. This is a kid-focused event sponsored by family and friends of Neil McKenzie (1930-2003) and the Polk County Sportsmen’s Club. All fisher-kids (through age 17) must pre-register by May 25 to participate. 

Do you know a kid or kids who would love to learn how to fish and find a way to connect with nature? Invite the adult in their life to pre-register the fisher-kid(s) so we can reserve a place on a pontoon or in a boat for them and plan for the day. This event takes place “Rain or Shine!” 

Each June many wonderful people donate the use of their pontoons, fishing boats, fishing rods and tackle, time, talents, prizes, and trophies to provide a free day of fishing, learning, and fun for area kids. This has been a legacy of love and pride in our area – a practice continued from how Neil McKenzie interacted with kids and encouraged them to love the outdoors. Please feel free to join in the fun and pre-register by May 25 to “Keep Kids Fishin'!” 

Adults, you are also invited to help the coordinators provide another fun and meaningful day for the kids. “How?” you ask. Fishing guides, boat drivers, parking attendants, and food preparers/servers make this event happen. Your volunteering is very much appreciated. 

Kids, please pre-register by May 25 so we can plan the day! Use the online registration form at www.NeilMcKenzieYouthFishingContest.org. Thank you for all you do to “Keep Kids Fishin’!”