The Richmond Hill Exchange Club will host its 27th Annual Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery on GA 144, between the library and Kroger. 

Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with fishing beginning at 8:30. The derby is free of charge and open to children ages 15 and under, accompanied by their parents or adult guardian.

Over the past 26 years, thousands of children have participated, and the Exchange Club expects another large turnout this year. The fishing derby will be at Fish Hatchery ponds that have been stocked with catfish. Participants should bring fishing poles equipped and ready to fish, as well as bait, although a limited amount of bait and fishing poles will be available for use free of charge. 

Hot dogs and Coke products will also be available at no charge for participants; courtesy of Savannah Coca Cola Bottling Company.

Trophies for children 12 and under will be presented for several categories, including Most Total Pounds (limit of 10 fish), and Heaviest Fish, within age groups 6 and under, and 7 to 12. The trophies and door prizes are donated by the Exchange Club of Richmond Hill. All children will also be eligible for doorprizes to be given away during the derby. Award presentions will follow the derby at noon.

All area children ages 15 and under are encouraged to participate. Parents or guardians should complete an official entry form for each child and bring it to the Fishing Derby on Sept. 22. Entry forms will be available at the derby also.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the organizer's Facebook Page, look for Richmond Hill Exchange Club on Facebook.