Garland County Library to hold second annual Fish-O-Ween next weekend

The following is a news release from the Garland County Library:

Fish-O-Ween

The Garland County Library will host the second annual Fish-O-Ween Family Fishing Derby and Fall Festival at Family Park Oct. 22. Festivities will begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon. This event is free and open to the public, though registration is requested. Register at gclibrary.com or by calling the library at 501-623-4161.

“The library’s annual Halloween party has always been one of my favorite events,” library marketing manager Erin Baber said.

“The pandemic forced us to rethink everything about library programming, which led us to some fun, new ideas like Fish-O-Ween. We took everything we loved about our usual Halloween party — carnival-style party games, crafts, costumes, candy — moved it to Family Park and added a fishing derby. Last Fish-O-Ween was so fun and I am excited to see this event grow in the future.”

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will stock Family Park’s pond with 300 channel catfish prior to the derby. All Arkansas fishing regulations will be enforced and a limit of 3 catfish per person can be caught and kept during the event hours. Game and Fish representatives will also be in attendance with Arkansas wildlife information and a live alligator for show-and-tell. Other Fish-O-Ween community partners include The Elk’s Club Lodge, Hot Springs World Class High School Art Club, Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters and more.

A pumpkin patch will be available for kids and teens as well as multiple games, crafts and activities. A free hot dog lunch will be served. All supplies, activities and food will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, limited by person to ensure as many attendees can participate as possible.

Stay tuned to the Library for more special event announcements. Coming up soon is Hot Springs/Cold Blood: A True Crime Festival on Nov. 4 and 5 and Magical Creatures Night on Nov. 12. Learn more about these events at gclibrary.com.

For more information about the library’s services and offerings, visit www.gclibrary.com, call 501-623-4161, or visit the library in-person at 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs. Find updates about the library’s growth at www.gclibrary.com/grows.