Texarkana Parks Department hosts 21st Fishing Derby | Arts & Culture

The Texarkana, Texas Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its 21st annual Fishing Derby on Thursday, Feb. 21, and Friday, Feb. 22nd, at Spring Lake Park. 

Activities on Thursday are from 8 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m. and activities on Friday will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at approximately 1 p.m.

The event is free but is by invitation only.

The mission of this two-day event is to offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience an enjoyable leisure activity to enhance their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional abilities.  The Derby also provides the simple joy of catching a fish for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so.  Volunteers and staff will assist with cleaning the fish that are caught and prizes will be awarded to those who catch a golden trout.

“We expect to have almost 500 participants from throughout the Texarkana area, with staff and volunteers totaling 150 plus,” reported Parks and Recreation Manager Robby Robertson.  

“In this, our 21st year, we are proud to have participants from Pleasant Grove, Texarkana, Texas, New Boston, Atlanta, Linden Kildare, Redwater, Liberty Eylau, and McLeod Independent School Districts as well as Texarkana, Arkansas School District.  It is one of our favorite events which we host as it really warms your heart to see our participants having such a great time in one of our parks.” 

The event is also sponsored by Academy Sports and Outdoors, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Challenged Outdoorsmen, Ta Molly’s, Dot’s Rentals and Scoreboard.