Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery Celebrates the Hatchery's 100th Anniversary and National Fishing and Boating Week

The public is invited to attend the Centennial Celebration of the Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery on Saturday, June 15, 2002 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery in Tupelo, Mississippi. They will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary along with National Fish and Boating Week.

Originally named The Tupelo National Fish Hatchery in 1902, it was renamed in 1982 for the Congressman who championed the establishment of the hatchery over one hundred years ago, Representative "Private" John Allen of the Mississippi first congressional district. Initially the hatchery produced, in five earthen ponds and three artesian springs, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear and channel catfish to support recreational fishing. Today there are 13 earthen ponds, two lined ponds, an in-ground raceway system and a fish holding house/intensive culture building. In addition to its standing mission of supporting recreational fishing, the hatchery now carries out inter-jurisdictional stockings of Gulf Coast striped bass, walleye and imperiled species such as paddlefish, alligator gar and lake sturgeon as well as sampling efforts for the endangered Alabama sturgeon.

During the all day Centennial Celebration, there will be a Fishing Derby for kids ages 12 and under - kids should bring their own poles or rods and reels and bait (no live bait). There will also be face painting, plug golf, button making, wildlife exhibits and much, much more. Awards will be given beginning at 10:30 a.m. for the Kids Fishing Derby.

The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. during which Sam Hamilton, Southeast Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will discuss the proud past and bright future of the hatchery. The guest speaker at the ceremony will be Senator Thad Cochran. A BBQ lunch will be served after the ceremony. Guests are invited to participate in the open house (self guided tour) of the hatchery and a tour of the historical manager's residence.

The Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery is located at 111 Elizabeth Street in Tupelo, Mississippi.

For further information please contact Laura Dobbins at 662-842-1341 or Jim Rothschild at 404-679-7291.