WALNUT GROVE — A couple years it rained. In 2009, the water level on Lake Laura reached up to the trees above the beach area. But for 28 years the Walnut Grove Loggers annual fishing derby has been held for children 12 and under at Plum Creek Park.

This year the Walnut Loggers organization hosted the fishing derby with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pageant usually drew children staying at the campground during the pageant. Still, 29 youths showed up with their parents Saturday and lined up and down the beach at Plum Creek Park.

“That’s average for us. We’ve had 40. But with no pageant happening, that’s pretty good,” Dillon Robinson of the Loggers said.

The Walnut Grove Loggers is a nonprofit organization that has a gambling license used to raise money for the community. Funds are generated through pull tabs, bingo and raffles.

“We just give back to the community,” Robinson said. “We build playgrounds. Donate to the school.”