PONCA – Limited education and recreational programing will be available this weekend along with it being free fishing and park entry day.
According to a release from Ponca State Park, September is a great month to get outdoors in Nebraska. Saturday, September 12 is free fishing and park entry day which allows anyone to explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park without the need to purchase a park entry permit for the day.
It also allows anyone to fish for the day without a fishing permit as anglers must still observe all fishing regulations. Bait will be for sale at Ponca State Park’s Resource and Education Center as camping, lodging and all other fees will still apply at all state park areas.
Other Saturday activities that will be offered include introduction to archery, ‘Homemade Fishing Lure’, ‘Backyard Bass Casting’ and ‘Camp Cooking’. Limited spots are available for each event as park officials ask that everyone pre-register at the Resource and Education Center.
All equipment will be provided for archery as participants must be eight or older (8-12 adult required). Session I will be offered between 9 – 10 a.m. and session II between 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Pre-register and pay at the Resource and Education Center before meeting at the Eric Wiebe Shooting Complex. Cost is $5 per shooter.
Moving into the afternoon attendees will be able to create a fishing lure and learn how different lures function to attract various fish from 1 – 1:45 p.m. This event is free to the public. Then participants can practice their casting technique through competitive activities that involve distance and accuracy casting. This event is also free. Meet at the West Shelter for both the fishing lure and bass casting activities.
Closing out Saturday evening will be camp cooking from 5 – 5:45 p.m. Learn how to cook over an open fire from s’mores, campfire toast, popcorn, food on a stick and much more. Cost is $3 per kit and attendees can meet at the west shelter.
Ponca State Park officials ask that everyone recreate responsibly. Their ability to keep the park open is dependent upon the compliance of their guests with social spacing and group size recommendation.
Like Ponca State Park NE on Facebook for more activities and information or call 402-755-2284 with any questions. All programs are subject to change due to staffing and weather. Visit outdoornebraska.gov/healthinfo for more information.