Fishing derby part of outdoor adventure expo

Get your youngster hooked on fishing when the Monmouth County Park System hosts a Children's Fishing Derby as part of its annual Outdoor Adventure Expo at Turkey Swamp Park, Georgia Road, Freehold. Held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, the derby is sponsored by the Jersey Shore Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Before the derby, the lake will be stocked by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. Young anglers will enjoy the afternoon fishing while learning about this outdoor sport and its etiquette. Bring a pole and bait. Children 16 years of age and older need a New Jersey Fishing License to participate.

If reeled in by the fishing derby, be sure to check out the rest of the Expo. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., area residents are invited to try out kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, and the Park System's 25-foot climbing wall. Visitors can also enjoy free lectures, demonstrations, miniclinics, and nature hikes. Members of local outdoor adventure clubs will be on hand to answer questions and give advice, as well as representatives from companies that sell outdoor recreation equipment.

Admission and parking are free. The event is rain or shine. Camping is available inside the park (fee). For more information, call the park system at (732) 842-4000. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.