The Monmouth County Park System will host a freshwater fishing derby on June 15-16. Open to beginning and experienced anglers, the event also features free fishing clinics.
The event will start on June 15 at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, with a hands-on fishing clinic from 12:30-1:30 p.m. During the clinic, park system staff will cover how to cast and rig, and will answer questions. The fishing derby will be held from 2-5 p.m., according to a press release.
On June 16, the action moves to Turkey Swamp Park, Freehold Township. A free hands-on fishing clinic will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m., followed by the fishing derby from 2-5 p.m.
Prizes will be awarded each day for the longest fish in three different categories. Complete derby rules are available online at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com. Anglers can bring their own fishing pole or rent one for $5.
The cost of each day of the fishing derby is $25 per family of four, or $8 per person. A container of worms is included with each registration. Pre-registration is suggested; walk-ins are welcome. On-site registration is cash or check only.
To learn more about the freshwater fishing derby or to register, visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the park system at 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the Park System TTY/TDD number is 711.
In other news, county officials announced it is time for individuals to start planning their entries into the 2019 Monmouth County Fair home and garden competition.
Staff will accept entries of art, photos, crafts, canning, needlework and honey on July 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on July 22 from 8-11 a.m. Entries from senior centers and adult day programs will be accepted on July 22 and July 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Flower and vegetable entries should be delivered to the fairgrounds on Kozloski Road, Freehold Township, on July 26 from 8 a.m. to noon. Baked goods should be delivered to the fairgrounds on July 27 from 8-11 a.m.
After judging, the entries in the home and garden competition can be seen at the 45th annual Monmouth County Fair. For more information about the Home and Garden Competition or to download a brochure, visit www.MonmouthCountyFair.com or call 732-842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.
The fair runs from July 24-28. The fair gate is open 5-11 p.m. July 24-26; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 27; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 28 at the East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township. Admission is $8 per person. Children 12 and under are free.
The Monmouth County Fair is organized and presented by the Monmouth County Park System in cooperation with the Monmouth County 4-H Association.