One of the most popular events for children and teenagers takes place Saturday in Austin.

It's the annual Take A Kid Fishing Day.

Sponsored by Charley's Lounge and Friends, the local events are part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' own promotion to encourage fishing.

On Saturday, adults who take a kid fishing are not required to have a fishing license.

The Austin events will be held 11 am. to 2 p.m. at East Side Lake. Participants must register by 1 p.m. Saturday on the east side of the lake near the parking lots.

Winners will compete for five one-week trips to YMCA Camp Olson among other prizes valued in excess of $1,000 and donated by the sponsors and every child gets a prize.

Each child or teenager fishing Saturday must be accompanied by an adult.

Children from birth to age 15 can compete. All must bring their own bait.

Free hot dogs and pop will be served the participants.

The rain date for the event is Sunday.

This marks the tenth annual Take A Kid Fishing Day celebration in Austin. Last year 275 children and teenagers participated.

According to Jill Vollmer, one of the organizers, the annual fishing extravaganza enjoys strong support. The Maple Island Association donated $1,108 for two trips to YMCA Camp Olson at Longville.

Money for three more trips to be given away Saturday came from Richards Wood Products of Geneva ($554 for one trip and $446 for other prizes) and Local 9 of the United Food and Commercial Workers local union for one trip.

The Izaak Walton League Austin chapter and Lyle American Legion Post No. 105 split the cost for one other trip, which allowed the sponsors to offer five grand prizes this year to YMCA Camp Olson.

The trip prizes include transportation by motor coach from Owatonna to Longville and back again, plus a week of horseback riding, archery, sailing and many more great YMCA-sponsored activities.

The "every child gets a prize" guarantee Saturday means each boy and girl will take home rods, reels, tackle boxes, give certificates, lures and other items, according to the organizers.

For more information, call 434-4670.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com