MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - For the kids of Meridian, Saturday wasn't just a day in the park; it was a day in the park fishing. In the Meridian Historical Village, enthusiastic youngsters aged five to 18 gathered around and put on their angler shoes.

For many, it was all about the competition and trying to win a prize. For many others, it was learning the ropes and knots, as it was their first time out.

Township Park Commissioner Mark Stephens coordinates Project Fish. He said it was all about the values learned.

"The number one value is patience. You know you really have to be patient when fishing," Stephens said.

For him, it was all about seeing the smiles of a day out on the water and the serenity that fishing can bring.

"Whenever a kid catches their first fish, it's the most beautiful smile that anybody's ever seen," Stephens said. "There's not a smile that's like it."

Surprise surrounding the catch was immense, but even greater was the surprise centered around the greatness of the event.

"Go fishing," Stephens said in response to a question about people's response to the event. "They like being outside."