Numerous residents took advantage of a sunny Saturday at Mattocks Park, joining in a community event and fishing derby organized by a collaboration of the Friendship District Congress, El Dorado Lodge 151 and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
FDC women's president Brenda Billing said the organization, which represents 52 churches in the region, was pleased with the turnout.
"We wanted to foster relationships, because we're better together - it's about us. We have people from everwhere [here], it's not isolated to one part of the community. I'm excited, that's what it's all about," Billings said.
AGFC personnel stocked the pond at Mattocks Park for the event, and people of all ages sat in chairs or stood around the water on Saturday catching fish after fish.
Lodge 151 members provided food and grilled throughout the day while a live DJ provided music.
"It's just a community event to bring the community together and have a positive atmosphere," Billings said.
Because of the turnout, the FDC will likely look to hold a similar event again in the fall.
"We're going to do it again in September or October...We prayed for 3 months on this," Billings said.
Local residents enjoyed sun, food and fishing at a community event organized Saturday by Friendship District Congress, El Dorado Lodge 151 and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. (Matt Hutcheson/News-Times)