CHICAGO (WLS) — An annual competition was held this weekend. At it’s heart, the Fishing Derby was a chance for kids to enjoy nature and have a lot of fun.

The derby happened Saturday morning at the McKinley Park Lagoon on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

More than a hundred children made their way to the annual Fishing Derby, casting their lines into the McKinley Park Lagoon.

“You can just put out your fishing rod ,and if you have a button fishing rod, you can just press the button and then you can get a fish,” 9-year-old participant Jake Esenberg said.

Steve Demitro, is the founder of the event, which is now on its seventh year.

“There is nothing like a child getting that first bite on the line, the excitement by you see in their eyes,” Demitro said. “Words alone don’t do it justice, and that’s the experience that we are bringing.”

The event is meant to expose families to nature and welcome fishers of all levels.

SEE ALSO | Chicago River Swim set for Sunday downtown

Chicago police officers also joined in on the fun.

“My CAPs team is out here today, first and foremost to keep everyone safe, but also engage kids and making sure they have a great time,” CPD 9th District Commander Joe Mark said.

For Bryan Esenberg and his 9-year-old son Jake, attending the event has become a tradition. When we ABC7 with them, they had already caught their 63rd fish of the day.

“Wax worms is the winner, if you can plop drop it it’s all about feel,” Bryan Esenberg said. “So with Jake I am not catching them, he’s got that feel. He’s picking and going.”

They are building memories that they say will last a lifetime.

“I that’s what makes it important,” Bryan Esenberg said. “How do I live in the city and still have experiences outdoor with my son? I had that opportunity with my dad and grandfather, so I tried to do that with my son.”