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The second annual Kids’ Fishing Rodeo was held at Oxford Lake on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and by all accounts, it proved to be a great success with families and sponsors alike.

Event organizer Thomas Shelton said The Gideons gave away 600 total Bibles last year.

“They had already given that many away within two hours today,” Shelton said. “That would cause us to believe we have more than 2,000 here this year.”

Oxford Lake was transformed into a family festival with kids holding cotton candy, a rod and reel, or both, with everything from eats to bounce houses provided by generous sponsors, all for free.

“I think another great thing about having it on this weekend is you could bring your bathing trunks and two dollars, and you could swim at the Civic Center swimming pool on its opening day,” Shelton said.

Southern Protection Agency was again the lead sponsor of the fishing rodeo and said they would be here again.

Shelton became acquainted with John Brown, the CEO of the company, through the sport of fishing.

“When I presented the idea to him last year, he asked what we needed, and he sent it,” Shelton said. “That was true again this year.”

“We have really enjoyed being a part of this and working with Thomas and the city,” said Meredith Henson of SPA. “We will definitely be here next year.”

Jessica Hinton Wyatt’s WildLife, a nonprofit group focused on getting kids to spend more time outdoors, was there for a second year, providing free hamburgers and hot dogs.

“I said last year no matter how many times this is held, we’re in,” said Jessica Hinton representing Wyatt’s. “We still have that enthusiasm for it. This is the greatest thing I’ve seen Oxford do for the kids – getting them off the iPads and the cellphones, catching fish in the sunshine, and enjoying the fellowship of friends and families. I absolutely love this event.”

Shelton said there are already ideas on how to make the rodeo even better.

“This is a great way to show what Oxford has to offer,” Shelton said.