RUMFORD – Area children will have a chance to catch a brook trout Saturday.

Joe Martin recently completed construction of a half-million gallon fire pond on his property on Ellis River Road to provide water should a fire break out in the rural area. He thought youngsters might like a chance to catch a fish, while benefiting the projects of the Rumford Grange.

So this past May, he had about 300 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch brook trout stocked in the small pond.

On Aug. 18, children ages 12 and under will have a chance to catch them.

“There really isn’t anything around here in the summertime for kids,” Martin said.

If the derby goes well, Rumford Grange community services Chairwoman Vicki Clark said they may make it an annual event.

Grange members feed the fish everyday in preparation for the fishing derby, and will provide food and beverages the day of the derby.

A total of about $1,250 in prizes will be awarded every half-hour throughout the day, and every child will go home with something, including the fish they catch, Martin said.

Only 100 tickets are being sold. Each registration is $30, and each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Check-in time is 9 a.m., with the first of two rounds of fishing starting at 10 a.m. Each child may catch two fish toward prizes.

To register for the derby, contact Martin at 470-7402 or Clark at 364-2129.

Between the two rounds of fishing, games will be provided for youngsters by grange members. Families are also encouraged to bring a picnic lunch.

Derby proceeds will benefit grange activities.