Elks, FSPD team up for kids' fishing derby, bike safety event

The Fort Scott Elks Lodge No. 579 is partnering with the Fort Scott Police Department to offer some bicycle safety events as part of the lodge's annual fishing derby this weekend.

An event presented by the Elks Lodge and the FSPD scheduled to take place Saturday at the lake on the Fort Scott Community College campus, 2108 S. Horton St., will include the lodge's annual fishing derby geared toward youth of all ages, as well as a bicycle safety demonstration and registration offered by the FSPD.

Elks member Millie Lipscomb said FSPD officers will also provide information on drug awareness.

"They will do a 'session' so to speak, on bike safety," she said. "This will be one place to get bikes registered with the PD if something happens down the road. That's our purpose."

A bicycle safety demonstration, as well as registration for all bikes, will begin at 9 a.m. The fishing derby will start at 10 a.m. A picnic lunch is planned for noon.

"Kids and adults can register their bikes," Lipscomb said. "At 10 a.m., we will start our fishing derby; that's for youth only."

Lipscomb said the fishing derby will be divided into four different age groups for youth 15 years of age and younger. Each youth who participates will receive a prize.

The event is typically held in May each year but due to a conflict with a summer recreation event, organizers agreed to move it to July.

"This is our annual fishing derby," she said. "We were awarded a grant from the Elks National Foundation. We're teaming up with the FSPD and trying to do things for youth in one day. I'm really excited about it. I think we'll have a great turnout."

Lipscomb said the fishing derby typically draws 65 to 80 youth and she expects more this weekend with other scheduled events taking place. The event is an example of one of many community service projects the Elks Lodge is involved in throughout the year.

"I think we'll have more with other events going on," she said.

The Elks National Foundation is providing some funds for prizes and food and to help with other event expenses. A hot dog picnic lunch is planned to take place following the fishing derby, Lipscomb said.

The event has taken place at the FSCC lake the last few years, she said.