The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is looking to bring out youth and their parents for a family friendly day on the lake.

The Corps of Engineers and Alabama River Lakes are sponsoring the 18th Annual Free Kids Catfish Rodeo Saturday, June 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lowndes County Wildlife Management Area in White Hall.

John Williams, park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said the event is for the youth of the community to have fun, as they’ll be able to keep all of the fish they catch.

“Basically what it is, for kids 15 and under, we invite the kids to come out and have a family event, and just let them have some fun,” Williams said. “They’re able to keep all of the fish they can catch, and it’s a family outing. We’ll have refreshments for the kids and hopefully some hot dogs as well.”

All children who attend must be accompanied by an adult or guardian for their safety, and they must bring their own bait and pole.

Williams said the free fishing rodeo will offer quality time for parents and their children.

“One thing that’s good is that it teaches the kids,” Williams said. “Some kids don’t really know how to fish, so we try to give them an opportunity where they and their parents or guardian can come out and show them how to bait the hook and show them how to throw the reel out and catch that big fish.”

Williams said the event also is a means of giving back to the community.

“A lot of kids don’t get the chance to do this, so we try to give back to the community,” Williams said. “We try to do things that are family oriented. It gives them a chance to see other things the Corps has to offer because we have camping, swimming and picnic areas that they can come out to as well.”

Call 872-9554 for details.