Hook some fun at MCC’s 1st Annual Fishing Festival
MARSHALLTOWN – Marshalltown Community College (MCC) is excited to announce its 1st Annual MCC Fishing Festival, a free community event for the entire family. It’s happening on Saturday, September 20, from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm at the MCC Pond and Campus Grounds.
This exciting day will feature a wide array of activities, including morning fishing, engaging nature and wildlife programs, interactive kids’ activities, and delicious food from local food trucks. We’ll also hold a raffle with incredible prizes to raise funds for the renovation of MCC’s Outdoor Nature Learning Lab.
The day kicks off bright and early at 7:30 am with fishing at the MCC pond. When you sign up, you’ll reserve a 90-minute fishing slot, but you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the rest of the festival all day. All fishing participants must have a valid Iowa fishing license, and while we encourage you to bring your own fishing gear, limited tackle and bait will be available. This is a catch-and-keep event, so you can take your fish home or donate them. We’ll even have two mobile fish cleaning stations and ice provided for your convenience. As a bonus, all fishing participants will receive a goodie bag containing five free raffle tickets! You can reserve your fishing spot now at https://mcc.iavalley.edu/fishing-festival/.
Starting at 9:00 am, the festival expands to include a Nature & Wildlife Festival where you can explore educational booths and programs hosted by various local nature organizations. You can learn about Iowa’s diverse wildlife, including meeting raptors and understanding pollinators, among much more! Educational talks will take place every 30 minutes. We’re excited to feature a presentation at 10:30 am from All about Bees by the Tama County Beekeeping Association.
We’ve also planned plenty of fun and hands-on activities perfect for all ages. Kids can enjoy a Toddler Fishing Pool Game, Ducky Derby Race, Make & Take Bird and Insect Homes, a Paint-a-Pot Plant Station, and a Temporary Tattoo Booth. At 11:00 am, join our Bio Blitz! where kids can explore and race to find listed wildlife for cool prizes!
Food trucks will be selling food all morning starting with breakfast and coffee at 7:30 and then lunch items for purchase after 9:30 am. The Raffle Drawing will be held at 12:30 pm. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5 and can be purchased in advance or at the event. You don’t even need to be present to win! Top raffle prizes include a $100 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card, a $50 REI Gift Card, a brand new Kayak, Adventureland Amusement Park Tickets, Native Plant Gift Cards, themed gift baskets, and more!
If you have any questions or want to register for fishing, please contact Danielle Kness at Danielle.Kness@iavalley.edu or call 641-844-5788.
MCC looks forward to welcoming the community for a day of fun, education, and support for our Outdoor Nature Learning Lab!