A day of fishing fun is on tap for children this weekend as the Workforce Development Complex hosts the 8th Annual Kids Catfish Tournament.

On Saturday, from 9 a.m. until noon, the catfish tournament will be underway at the pond located in front of the Workforce Development Complex. Registration for the event will begin at 8 a.m.

The tournament is open to children age 12 and younger and is free for them to participate. Those taking part in the tournament will need to bring their own fishing pole, bait, chairs, and other fishing equipment.

The annual tournament usually averages around 300 kids each year according to Kim Eggers of the WDC.

The WDC will be giving away free hot dogs and drinks during the event and each child participating in the tournament will receive a freeT-shirt commemorating the event.

According to Eggers, several agencies and groups work together to make the Kids Catfish Tournament possible each year.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency provides fish for the event as well as Wildlife Officers to assist with the tournament.

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 538 has also supported the program for a number of years, providing funds to help purchase supplies and provide prizes to the children.

Other sponsors for the event this year include the Forestry Service, Carter County Hunting and Fishing Club, and several other local businesses and organizations.

“We have tons of door prizes we give away,” Eggers said.

In addition to the door prizes, Eggers said prizes will be awarded for the most fish caught and the largest fish caught in each of the tournament’s three age divisions.

The Workforce Development Complex is located at 386 Highway 91 across from the Elizabethton Municipal Airport.

For more information on the Kids Catfish Tournament, contact Kim Eggers at 423-542-3649 or by e-mail at kimeggers@cartercountytomorrow.com.