One of the great events of the 4th of July celebration is the Kids’ Fishing Derby at the Lake Cortez Pavilion. On July 3rd, kids under 12 can head to the pavilion from 8 a.m. to around 10:30 a.m. to fish. The lake will be stocked with catfish by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and most everyone will catch at least one fish. The Hot Springs Village Anglers Club will offer approximately $300 in prizes, along with free hot dogs. 

Registration is not required if you live in Hot Springs Village. However, if you live outside the Village, you need to call 501-922-5790 to receive a ticket for the event. The event is sponsored by the HSV Parks and Recreation, HSV Lake Ecology, and the HSV Anglers Club. 

A few fishing poles will be available, but if you have one of your own, please bring it.

Did you have a real fresh-cut Christmas tree this holiday season? Well, once you decide to part ways with it, consider donating it to the Hot Springs Village POA Lakes department, where they will use it to better the local lakes. The team will sink the trees in the lakes, providing a beneficial habitat for fish that are bait for attractive sport fish species. The trees will also provide food for zooplankton, feeding aquatic invertebrates.