The Kiwanis Club of Brownwood held its 10th annual Kids Fishing Event at the Early Town Center Lake Saturday morning. 

Kiwanis Club of Brownwood President Nathan Smith said, “It’s our second time to be out here at the Early Town Center Lake and it’s just a fabulous location. Great partnership with the City of Early. I think ever since we came to Early Town Center Lake that this has definitely been a great move for this event, just because the proximity to town. It’s a lot more convenient for families to get over here versus going to the lake, and I think we’ve had a better turnout for that reason.”

As for the relationship between the City of Early and the Kiwanis Club, City Administrator of Early Tony Aaron said, “We’re really appreciative of the Kiwanis Club for hosting this event again out here. Last year was great and this year was even better and it’s a great opportunity for us to show what this park is about. When we built this park, we hoped that families would come here and be a free or cheap place of entertainment, and that’s exactly what’s happening here today.”

In regards to the club’s mission, Smith said, “As the Kiwanis Group, we’re all about youth. That’s our primary mission, and focus is supporting youth in Brown County and organizations that also promote kid friendly activities.”

The event is driven through the support of local partners. Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas A&M Forest Service, and Brownwood State Park are just a few of the many sponsors that came out to support the event. 

Of the partners involved, Smith said, “Our Pecan Valley Kiwanis Club cooks lunch for us, provides refreshments. They help support monetarily as well. Our Brownwood Bass Club, we could not do this event without these guys, Bishop Distributing and those guys are just fabulous to work with. They give free rods and reels to the first 150 kids. It’s just a great partnership effort.”

Smith said how important it is to get the youth involved in the outdoors, “Today in this world we live in, the screens are ever present, whether it’s at home or at school. Kids are on screens a lot today. While there’s obviously some benefits to being able to navigate screens and work technology, we also lose a lot by not being outside as a society. And this is a great opportunity for parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, to be outside doing something fun with their kids and just enjoying this beautiful park.” 

One of the best parts about the event is the memories and joy that is created through fishing. “We have a place out here where people can come and create a memory that they’ll talk about 15 years from now. So that’s just really satisfying,” Aaron said.

As of now, the Kiwanis Club of Brownwood plans to continue hosting the Kids Fishing Event at the Early Town Center Lake as improvements continue to be made. Aaron said the boardwalk on the lake will be completed within the next year and will provide around 200 additional parking spots. Additionally, restaurants and shops will be placed along the boardwalk once it is complete.