NEW MARKET- The water was calm, the weather near perfect and the smiles bright for the 40^th annual Madison County Commission Fishing Rodeo recently held at Sharon Johnston Park in New Market. The free event for youngsters ages 5-15 featured 346 young folks drop their lines into the lake for the competition and a chance to frolic with family and friends while having a great day of fishing.

Participants were asked to bring their own rod and reel or fishing pole, and, if possible, their own bait. Once on site, the fishing competition began with participants broken into two different age groups to haul in the best fish of the day. Prizes for first and second place were awarded based on the weight of their two largest fish brought to the weigh-in. The grand prizes were a computer tablet and new bicycle. The first-place winner in each age division was awarded the choice of the two prizes while the second-place finisher awarded the remaining prize.

The final results were: 5-9 Age Group- 1. Sabrina Johnson, 5.0-pounds and 4.9-pounds, total 9.9. pounds, 2. Carson Henry, 4.5-pounds and 3.0-pounds, total 7.5-pounds. 10-15 Age Group- 1. Ciara Frazier, 10.2-pounds and 3.9-pounds, total 14.1-pounds, 2. Dylan Ramirez, 4.4-pounds and 3-pounds, total 7.4-pounds.

In addition to the fishing contests, the Madison County Commission held a contest for highest grade point average based on each youngsters’ report card they brought with them to the Fishing Rodeo. One winner was chosen in the K-4^th grade with the second winner coming from grades 5-10. Each won a $50 Visa gift card.

Each child participating was automatically eligible for drawings for some great prizes. Once their name was chosen from the stack of registration forms, that child was then able to choose a prize from an array of prizes presented by the Madison County Commission. Those prizes included water slides, sprinkler, fishing poles, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, baseball and bat, water balloons and launcher, stomp rockets, racket set, ring toss, trac-ball, kites, mini-golf set and others.

Numerous businesses were sponsors of the event and assisted the Commission in hosting the family-friendly gathering. Kelly Sales Company donated the fishing bait (worms) along with additional required fishing supplies (stringers, hooks, bobbers) and Huntsville Coca-Cola donated all drinks and the trailer used at the concession stand. Ragland Brothers provided the food, condiments and cooking supplies. Additional supporters included Senator Steve Livingston, representative Ritchie Whorton, Representative Rex Reynolds, Bill Penney Toyota, K-Electric, Wiregrass Construction, Citizens Bank & Trust, Madison County Shooting Association, Woody Anderson Ford, The Pants Barn, TriGreen, B&B Auto Parts and NH Funeral Home.