On May 5^th the we held our annual Fishing Derby for kids up to 15 years old. The kids had a great time. There were 150 registered fishermen, with the youngest being 2 years old. We estimated the turnout to be close to 275 people including parents and scouts leaders. We awarded 5 trophies (donated by John Leone) and 3 fishing rods (donated by Chris Batterman). Phil Parker again brought his monster grill and with the help of Sue served food to more than 250 people. This is a major task and the Derby would not be the same without him. Al DesRoche and Jim Lombard set up the Derby, and stayed overnight at the lake to protect our equipment, which they also took it apart after it was over. I also wish to thank Bill Hauck, Stu McNeil, Mark and Chris Klove for all the help they gave to the Derby. Without these people the 58^th Annual Derby would not have happened. We also thank Dick’s Sporting Goods for donating fishing equipment to help the people that did not have any.

This derby has been a tradition of our club since 1949, and is one of the oldest in the state. This is the chance for our club to show that we are true sportsmen and are eager to help the new generation of children start out with a love of the outdoors and the sporting life. Unfortunately this is not what happened. So few of our members volunteered that we were lucky to get the Derby going at all.

More pictures from member Kurt Silverman may be viewed here.