Cape Girardeau, Missouri - The mighty Mississippi River is an exciting place to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. People of all ages are invited to spend “A Day on the River,” hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on Saturday, Sep. 20. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in downtown Cape Girardeau.

According to the event coordinator, MDC Naturalist Angela Pierce, no registration is required and all ages, youth, and adult groups are welcome. Activities include boat rides, live aquatic animal displays, Asian carp filleting demonstrations, kids’ crafts, and informational booths from many supporting agencies.  Boat rides will take place every half hour (except from noon – 1 p.m.) at Riverfront Park. Pierce said this event will be fun for the whole family.

“Families can enjoy boat rides, practice casting a fishing pole, see and touch fish of the big river, and even taste an Asian carp,” Pierce said.

“The Mississippi River and surrounding wetlands are not only a huge part of Cape Girardeau heritage, but are also important habitats to diverse wildlife. This makes for excellent hunting and fishing opportunities,” Pierce said. “We hope lots of people will join us for this unique event to celebrate our amazing natural resources.”

For more information on this event and others offered at the MDC Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, call 573-290-5218 or go online to mdc.mo.gov.

People of all ages are invited to spend “A Day on the River,” hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on Saturday, Sep. 20. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverfront Park in downtown Cape Girardeau.  Activities include boat rides, live aquatic animal displays, Asian carp filleting demonstrations, kids’ crafts, and more. (Photo by Candice Davis)