Godfrey to Host Youth Fishing Derby and Arbor Day Celebration at Glazebrook Park

GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will host two of their biggest events this weekend.

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, community members can stop by Glazebrook Park for the Annual Youth Fishing Derby and Arbor Day Celebration. Both events speak to the Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts to make Godfrey a great place to live.

“There’s a lot of communities that do a great job, but not every community is able to offer all these things,” said Parks and Recreation Director Chris Logan. “We’re just so lucky to be in this position.”

The day begins with the Youth Fishing Derby. Registration opens at 9 a.m. or you can register your child online.

The fishing runs from 10–11:30 a.m., followed by snacks and a lunch provided by Ron Young. The judges will announce the winners for “Biggest Catch,” “Most Fish Caught,” and “Strangest Catch” at 12 p.m.

Participants are divided into age groups ranging from ages 4–6, 7–9, and 10–12. Fishers must provide their own bait and fishing pole.

“The fishing derby is one of my favorite things,” Logan said. “It’s just so cool to see the kids come out there and do it. I’m in the park a lot, and I see people fishing, and that’s great. But I just want kids to keep doing it.”

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The Youth Fishing Derby is always a favorite among kids and families. Logan encourages people to come out and join in the fun. He added that the pond will be stocked with fish later this week, so it will be ready to go by Saturday.

The morning’s excitement eases into the 28th Annual Arbor Day Celebration. There will be vendors set up throughout the day, including an ice cream truck and a shaved ice truck. The first 150 visitors will receive a free redbud tree seedling.

Godfrey’s Arbor Day Memorial Dedication will run from 1:30–3 p.m. near the concession stand. All new memorial trees and benches at Glazebrook Park will be dedicated that day. Guests are invited to join the dedication ceremony and then go find their loved one’s tree or bench.

“Obviously, people who purchased a tree or bench in memory of someone have lost someone very near and dear to their heart, and that’s very hard,” Logan said. “Any way we can try and help bring them some peace or closure or happiness, of course, we’re going to try everything we can to do that.”

Logan noted that the Youth Fishing Derby and Arbor Day Celebration are both great events, and the memorial dedication ceremony is “powerful” for all involved. He hopes many people come out to be a part of the day.

He also thanked the village administrators for their help to make the day a positive experience for everyone. He noted that many people have come together to support the Parks and Recreation Department, and he’s proud of the community they are building in Godfrey through the park.

“We’ve got just a fantastic mayor and leader who puts a premium on quality of life in Godfrey through the Parks and Rec Department. The board has also been very supportive of that,” he said. “We just want to try and help set Godfrey apart. This is a great place. We care about people who live here. We want to try and give them every opportunity to be outside, enjoy themselves, and just be happier.”

For more information about these events or the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department, visit their official Facebook page or their official website.

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