The Columbia Basin isn't lacking exciting events during the late spring and early summer. We have already had two walleye tournaments, one on Potholes Reservoir and the other on Banks Lake.

Tomorrow and Sunday, the Moses Lake Walleye Classic will take place, based out of Cascade Park. If you haven't witnessed such tournament, this is your chance.

The anglers leave in the morning and scatter to favorite spots around Moses Lake. The interesting part of a fishing tournament is when the fishers return and their fish are put on the scale.

The weigh ins on Saturday will be at 4 and 4:30 p.m. On Sunday they will take place at 2 and 2:30 p.m.

It is difficult to pry information about the leading team's fishing technique on Saturday afternoon, but on Sunday, most everyone is talking freely. This is a chance to take a look at the size and numbers of walleye living in Moses Lake. After the weigh in, the fish are released back into the lake.

Besides the normal annual events, such as the bass and walleye tournaments, three other happenings will be of interest to outdoor-minded people and they take place this month.

Fishing Kids Day

On June 12 Fishing Kids Day will take place at Cascade Park. Youth ages 5 to 14 will be able to fish in a special netted area beginning at 9 a.m. But the 9 and 10 a.m. slots are now full. The 11 a.m. slot is filling fast. The two last times, noon and 1 p.m., have yet to fill.

The anglers will receive a new rod, reel, line, weight, hook and bobber. They will be able to catch two fish each out of 3,000 rainbow trout. The rod and other tackle, plus the fish will more than compensate for the $5 registration fee. Registration forms are available at Moses Lake Parks at 401 South Balsam, 766-9240.

I know there are parents who don't fish, but have children who are interested in fishing. This is your chance to have your child introduced to the sport of fishing. No matter the weather that day, clear your schedule and make sure your youngster participates.

Kids Day

The Outdoor Writers Association of America will hold their annual conference in Spokane. This group is interested in sharing their knowledge with the youth of our communities. As a result, they have scheduled Kids Day on Saturday June 19 at Riverfront Park in Spokane.

Parents would find it worth their time to drive to Spokane on that day so their children can learn about spin and fly casting, fly tying, elk calling and turkey calling.

Each child must have an adult with them and there is a $5 fee. No pre registration is required, just show up at 8:30 to complete the registration forms.

OWAA book signing

OWAA book authors will also be holding a book signing during their time in Spokane. It is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, June 21 at Auntie's Bookstore. The time will be a little tight for Basin working people, but to meet and visit with some of the outdoor authors you have been reading for many years, it will be worth the effort.

Headlining the signing is humor writer Pat McManus.

We are especially blessed this year with the many adult and youth orientated outdoor activities scheduled. Now it's up to you to participate.