Alex Russell had three passions in his life: fishing, children and the Charleston community.

That’s why he decided to organize a children’s fishing derby in Charleston during the 1980s. At the time, Russell, an Eastern graduate, owned Boats Plus in Charleston and belonged to several local fishing clubs.

“He believed that fishing was a family activity and a good activity to keep kids interested in a positive way,” says his widow, Joy Russell.

“He wanted to do whatever he could to promote fishing to youth,” said Brian Jones, director of parks and recreation.

Russell saw the fishing derby as a way to give back to a community that had given so much to him.

“He loved the Charleston community,” Joy said. “He made a lot of contributions.”

Russell had worked with city manager Scott Smith, who at the time served as director of parks and recreation, to transition control of the event to the Department of Parks and Recreation, said Jones.

With the city sponsoring the event, local sponsors from the city were brought into to provide additional support to the event. Four years ago, Prairie Outfitters of Charleston began sponsoring the event, said Rick Cuddy, owner of Prairie Outfitters.

The Charleston community has paid their respect to Russell by officially naming the fishing derby, which has become an annual event, the Alex Russell Memorial Kids Fishing Derby.

Since then, they have gained many sponsors for the event.

“We’ve got a lot of people who have jumped on,” said Jones.

Four years ago, Prairie Outfitters of Charleston began sponsoring the event, said Cuddy.

“We’ve got a lot of people who have jumped on,” said Jones.

Sponsors for the event provide money and supplies for prizes, and some sponsors provide interactive booths for children and families to enjoy. The Conservation Police bring a display of animal furs and pelts for children to examine, and the Fire Department brings an ambulance to display.

Russell’s family from California donates trophies for the winners, said Jones.

Participants are divided into three age groups, with first, second and third place winners receiving prizes in each group. Cook’s Bait Shop also sponsors a Largest Catfish contest and Mike and Stan’s sponsors a Largest Bass contest. These two contests span all three age groups.

In addition to the prizes being awarded, there are also several giveaways during the event.

“We try to make sure we have enough prizes and giveaways for all the kids regardless of how they do in the tournament,” said Cuddy.

“At the end of the day we want every kid to walk away with a prize,” said Jones.

The derby typically attracts between 70-100 children each year. According to Cuddy, the number of participants has continued to grow every year since he became involved.

“It’s only a one day special event,” said Jones, “but it is one of our most popular events.”

According to Jones, the Department of Parks and Recreation is honored to host the derby.

“We’re happy to continue the tradition that Alex started many years ago,” he said.

The derby is scheduled each year to coincide with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Free Fishing Days. Free Fishing Days are held during the second week of June from Thursday to Sunday each year. During this time, anyone is allowed to fish in Illinois, even if they do not have a fishing license.

“The idea is to have people go out and get interested so they’ll go buy a license,” said Jones.

Jones said the idea of the derby applies a similar same principle.

“The goal of the day is to get the kids to come out and fish,” he said. “This is something they could do for the rest of their lives.”

The Alex Russell Memorial Kids Fishing Derby will be held Saturday at 8 a.m. at Lake Charleston. The event is free and registration is done on site. Competitors must be between the ages of five and 15, and they must provide their own bait and gear.

Prizes for the event will include fishing gear, other outdoors gear such as hunting supplies, water guns and water toys for children and much more.

“A lot of kids use their prizes as Father’s Day gifts,” said Jones. “If they can’t use it, it may make a good gift.”