The Newmarket Optimist Club is inviting the public to enjoy free family fishing this Sunday on Fairy Lake.
The club is hosting its annual fishing event July 9 in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as well as York Regional Police. Kids will be loaned free fishing equipment, bait and lures to try out the activity, with free hotdogs and drinks also offered.
Club president-elect Cindy Crone said it is a way to introduce a generation of kids to the joys of catch-and-release fishing.
“It’s an environmental piece, in terms of learning about the importance of putting back into the ecosystem,” Crone said. “But it’s also just fun. A lot of fun for the kids, they get very excited when they can catch a fish and they can show everyone.”
The event has run for several years, with hundreds attending to enjoy the free festivities on Fairy Lake. It runs during the provincial family fishing week, allowing people to fish for free across Ontario.
The centralized location and the cost have helped the event maintain popularity, Crone said.
“Everything is kind of set up for them,” Crone said. “All they have to do is show up and register.”
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an entrance at the parking lot off of Eagle Street.
“It’s always been, very, very popular. The kids are super excited, the parents are just as excited, and it’s just fun,” Crone said. “Come out and join us.”
