MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - It was a particularly chilly Valentine's weekend, but that didn't stop kids from all over the Township from facing the weather to reel in a big catch.

Meridian Township's annual Ice Fishing Derby took place at Central Park pond on Saturday, February 14th. Recreation Specialist, Greg Grothous, organizes the event each year.

"It's probably about the fifth year we've actually been able to do it. We hold this as part of Michigan DNR's free fishing weekend, where anybody in the state of Michigan can go fishing without a license. We do encourage people to purchase a license," said Grothous.

Although a fishing license was not required over the weekend, they are recommended.

The DNR offers two free fishing events each year to encourage outdoor recreation participation, and the next will be the weekend of June 13th, 2015.