Family Fun Fest draws hundreds to Anderson River Park

The annual Family Fun Fest attracted hundreds to the Anderson River Park on Saturday. Several parents and grandparents brought their children fishing, enjoying the use of loaned fishing poles and free bait.

"I think it's amazing, everybody donating all this," Troy Hilliker of Happy Valley said.

"It's great, you don't have to pack everything," said Greg Charrette of Anderson, who brought his three children to the park to fish.

This year many people enjoyed the stage performances from various school and community groups.

"Usually they just watch their child perform and go home. I haven't seen the amphitheater empty since we started," Pam Lewis, activities director for Anderson Department of Parks and Recreation.

With many activity booths and petting zoo attracting attention, many were drawn to the ponds.

"We came here to fish," said Dan Smyth of Anderson, who came with his son Parker.

While encouraging people to take advantage of the free fishing day to bring their family to the park, Lewis was disappointed to see numerous adults lining the ponds to catch fish before any children had a chance to catch any themselves. The fishermen got a jump on the competition and the children by showing up to fish as the ponds were being stocked.

"They seem to forget it's a kids fishing day," Lewis said.