Kim Fundingsland/MDN Lynn Kieper, Bismarck, right, has been has been a volunteer at the fishing pond at the North Dakota State Fair for more than 20 years. The Conservation and Skills Park is a popular attraction for fairgoers.

A squeal. A shout. A high-five.

It’s a scene that plays out again and again on the fishing pier at the Conservation and Skills Park at the North Dakota State Fair. Among the volunteer staffers that just can’t get enough of such fun is Lynn Kieper of Bismarck. With each fish pulled from the pond, he shares as big a smile as the youngster on the business end of the fishing pole.

“I’ve been doing it a little over 20 years at the fair, right here at the pond. I come back because I enjoy it,” said Kieper. “The little kids are having a ball, as you can see, and the older kids too. There’s a lot of them that catch their first fish here.”

When asked if he could recall catching his first fish, or what kind of fish it was, Kieper offered a broad smile and responded, “Must have been back in New York, probably a bullhead.”

The fishing pond is only part of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department attractions at the Conservation and Skills Park, but it is extremely popular. For Kieper, who is a long-time member of the organization “Lure ‘Em for Life,” it is not at all surprising.

“As soon as this place opened up it was full of kids fishing,” said Kieper. “It’s something for the young people. They get out here and start fishing and they enjoy it.”

The Conservation and Skills Park opened its gates at 1 p.m. Friday, the opening day of the State Fair. Kieper, the veteran volunteer, will be at the fishing pier each day of the fair – baiting hooks, watching bobbers slip under the water, and enjoying each and every moment when a child catches a fish.

“It’s very rewarding for me,” said Kieper. “I learned to fish when I was a kid and I like to see other kids doing it. This is just great.”