This year’s event will feature a new DNR laser shot range in addition to past hits like the live trout pond, virtual fishing simulators, free fishing products, a fishing carnival, games, food, camp displays, informational booths, seminars and local fishing personalities.

“There is going to be a lot of activity and this is unique because it is specifically aimed toward kids, whereas most fish fairs are aimed for older youth and adults,” said Tom Goodrich, executive director of Fish-a-Thon, which is organizing the event.

Special guest speakers include: Minnesota Vikings Center Matt Birk; “Lucky” Libby Hoene, an 18-year old who is one of Minnesota’s most successful muskie anglers; Merv Heitschmidt, an author and muskie pro; and the DNR’s Canine Dog exhibit.

Admission and parking for the event are free. Activities are coordinated for all levels—from novice to the more experienced. The first 500 youth to attend will receive a bag of goodies to take home.

“This is an excellent opportunity to bring youth to the Fish Fair and introduce them to the sport of fishing in a fun and safe environment,” Goodrich, who is also executive director of Renewing Hope Resources, added.

The Fish Fair event is part of the ministry’s Fish-A-Thon, an annual fund-raising effort, to be held in August 2007 for the urban ministries in Minneapolis and St. Paul to help meet their strategic and long-term needs.

Participants in the Fish-A-Thon gather pledges based on the number of fish they catch during the month. The Fish-A-Thon is striving for 10,000 youth fishing on Minnesota lakes during the 2007 event. 

Renewing Hope Resources is a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, Minn.

The mission of RHR is to develop and provide ongoing resources that will assist urban ministries whose beliefs are consistent with the Christian faith to effectively build, support and strengthen their ministries to the community.


For more information on the 2007 Fish Fair, visit www.fishingforlife.org.