FRUITLAND OPTIMISTS HOLD FISHING RODEO

Optimist Club president Pat Kennedy, left, and vice president Jimmy Churchwell presented Katlyn Churchwell with a trophy for the most fish caught.

Optimist Club president Pat Kennedy, left, presented participation certificates to Ray Bucher, Drew Bucher and Geoffrey Myer.

The Optimist Club of Fruitland recently held a fishing rodeo at Boutin Lake in Trail of Tears Park.

There were several participants, ranging from age 4 to 13. The group managed to catch several different sized fish with poles and packets provided by Cape County Parks and Recreation.

Katlyn Churchwell won a trophy for the most fish, Natalie B. won for biggest and prettiest fish, and Zach Kennedy for smallest fish.

Several other participants were awarded participation certificates.

The Optimist Club served hot dogs and soda and provided a first-aid station.

Activities included face-painting, and raffle tickets were sold for a 32-inch color television set and a $100 savings bond. The drawing will be held July 26.

At the end of the day Optimist Club president Pat Kennedy and vice president Jimmy Churchwell were thrown into Lake Boutin in appreciation of a successful first fishing rodeo.

The club has 35 members and is growing. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Frontier Cafe in Fruitland.

The sponsors were Schnucks of Cape Girardeau, Food Giant of Jackson, Rental Land of Cape Girardeau, Big Foot of Fruitland, Cape County Parks and Recreation, Albertson's of Cape Girardeau and Country Mart of Jackson.