To celebrate the informal arrival of summer, a number of events have been scheduled across Kansas, all of them designed to encourage family and friends to go outdoors and enjoy the natural resources of the Sunflower State.

National Fishing and Boating Week is June 5-13. This will coincide with Wildlife and Parks’ Free Fishing Days June 5-6. For two days, anyone may fish without having to have a state fishing license.

On June 3-4, Gary Sebelius, husband of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, will be the host of the Governor’s Fishing Classic at Coffey County Lake near Burlington.

The event will feature a celebrity golf tournament, barbecue and auction the day prior to the fishing tournament. A grand champion trophy will be awarded, based on catching smallmouth bass. Other prizes will be awarded for largest walleye and wiper and most fish caught.

Youngsters will learn fish biology, conservation, water safety and casting techniques.

The festivities will conclude with a raffle for a new Tracker Marine boat and shoreline fishing for the kids. For information, call Megan Krier at 1-866 655-4377.