Despite the cold and windy weather, over 100 local children and adults participated in a fun-filled day of fishing at the 4th annual Rolla Youth Fishing Fair on May 3. 
The event, hosted by Rolla Parks & Recreation, The Centre, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Optimist Club and held at Ber Juan Lake, featured free fishing, good food, fun contests and prizes. Every child in attendance received a goody bag with special souvenirs from the event.
Though the event was held primarily for the casual enjoyment of area youth and their families, some contests were held in conjunction with the derby that awarded prizes to a handful of winners.
Heather Gray, age 9, and Brendon Lietz, age 11, both from Rolla, won the Kids Casting Contest for their respective age groups.  They were awarded Zebco fishing poles for their display of casting skill. 
Xavier Battle, age 7, of Rolla, won the prize for the largest fish. Xavier caught a 11-inch bass and was awarded a Zebco fishing pole and a new tackle box. Tyler Pritchard, 6, of Rolla, caught the smallest fish at 3.1 inches. Tyler was also awarded a Zebco fishing pole and a new tackle box.
The Rolla Youth Fishing Fair was wonderfully supported by the community and produced with the help of Optimist Club volunteers, Parks & Recreation staff, Centre staff and Missouri Department of Conservation staff, who baited hooks, untangled fishing line and served food to the fair participants.
In addition to the volunteers’ efforts, additional support was provided locally by Phelps County Bank, Ozarks Coca-Cola and Key Sport.
More photos on Page 10B.