IMAGE GALLERY: Anglers Hit Horn Pond for Family Fishing Festival

Sponsored by the Woburn Elks Club, Verizon and the Massachusetts Wildlife Angler Education Program, the 20th Annual Family Fishing Festival at went off with only a few tangled lines and plenty of fun.

Jim Lagacy, coordinator of the event from Mass Wildlife said, "We do this to give people an excuse to get outside, and fishing is a great gateway activity to get back involved with nature."

Lagacy went on to say the fact that the festival was more a celebration of fishing, which leaves the competative nature of the classic derby out.

"It's non-competative," said Lagacy, "and just for everyone to learn how to fish and have fun."

At least a dozen volunteer instructors from Mass Wildlife offered up some basics about fishing and over one hundred rods and reels where on loan for those without their own.

Nancy Memolo, of co-sponsor Verizon, said, "This is one of the best family events around, that's why we sponsor it ... Also, we will be at the Spot Pond festival next weekend (in Stoneham)."

The Woburn Elks cooked up some burgers and hotdogs, and gave away free T-shirts and dictionaries and other gifts.

"We came because it's a great event and charity for kids," explained Elks Chairman and Coordinator Dan Stocker. "We are giving away dictionaries, food, T-shirts and posters to support Woburn's youth and education."