Post by Woody Williams on Jun 26, 2011 18:31:03 GMT -5
Past participants still helping Fishing Derby
Annual event is July 4 at Garvin Lake
• By Steve Ford
For something that has developed into an annual event that comes around early every summer, the July 4 Fishing Derby for Kids has become like the snowball that gathers size and steam once it's pushed down the mountain.
It picks up and retains more people every year, and looks ready to continue that path when the event marks its 22nd annual run on Monday, July 4, at Garvin Park.
But the people that the July 4 Fishing Derby for Kids picks up aren't just the participants in three age groups (0-5, 6-10, 11-15).
Those numbers seem to be somewhat the same, ranging from 100 to 200 depending on timing and on the weather during the week every year.
The people it picks up are the families, volunteers, sponsors and participants who outgrow the competition but return to help.
That's why volunteers such as Ryan West, 26, who came out as a little guy to fish with his family and now comes back every year to measure fish will always be welcomed back.
It picks up families, like the Turleys, who brought kids, got involved and now work every year to continue the event as volunteers and as a sponsor through the family business, Turley Jewelers.
There are other loyal sponsors who keep the Fishing Derby for Kids a free event, folks like Expressway Auto Group, Mike Wathen and Hayes, Powers and Associates, which came aboard last year and has pledged to help again.
Tackle donations for the free raffle and tackle prizes will come from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Gander Mountain, the ERA Pruiett Realty Team, Wally Burns, Ken Hicks, Judy Campbell, Smith's Bait & Tackle and the Bait Bucket.
Sign-ups will begin at about 8:30 a.m. on July 4 at the east end of Garvin Park Lake. Then the fishing contest runs from 9-11 a.m., weather permitting.
The Fishing Derby for Kids will have the same look as always, with free prizes and drinks for all the kids, a free raffle and trophies for the winners in three age groups (0-5, 6-10, 11-15).
Trophies go to each age group champion (for the most inches of fish) and a runner-up in each.
Also, trophies for "big fish" are awarded in each age group.
Participants who use light tackle and small hooks tend to do the best as they pile up the lengths of dozens of small fish on their entry cards after they are measured and recorded by volunteers.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring a ruler and something to write with, but organizers always have extras and welcome any help.
Any questions about sponsorship, volunteering or participating should call me at (812) 464-7511 or e-mail at fords@courierpress.com.
All kids, even any without equipment, are welcome. See you July 4, which is just more than a week away.
Annual event is July 4 at Garvin Lake
• By Steve Ford
For something that has developed into an annual event that comes around early every summer, the July 4 Fishing Derby for Kids has become like the snowball that gathers size and steam once it's pushed down the mountain.
It picks up and retains more people every year, and looks ready to continue that path when the event marks its 22nd annual run on Monday, July 4, at Garvin Park.
But the people that the July 4 Fishing Derby for Kids picks up aren't just the participants in three age groups (0-5, 6-10, 11-15).
Those numbers seem to be somewhat the same, ranging from 100 to 200 depending on timing and on the weather during the week every year.
The people it picks up are the families, volunteers, sponsors and participants who outgrow the competition but return to help.
That's why volunteers such as Ryan West, 26, who came out as a little guy to fish with his family and now comes back every year to measure fish will always be welcomed back.
It picks up families, like the Turleys, who brought kids, got involved and now work every year to continue the event as volunteers and as a sponsor through the family business, Turley Jewelers.
There are other loyal sponsors who keep the Fishing Derby for Kids a free event, folks like Expressway Auto Group, Mike Wathen and Hayes, Powers and Associates, which came aboard last year and has pledged to help again.
Tackle donations for the free raffle and tackle prizes will come from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Gander Mountain, the ERA Pruiett Realty Team, Wally Burns, Ken Hicks, Judy Campbell, Smith's Bait & Tackle and the Bait Bucket.
Sign-ups will begin at about 8:30 a.m. on July 4 at the east end of Garvin Park Lake. Then the fishing contest runs from 9-11 a.m., weather permitting.
The Fishing Derby for Kids will have the same look as always, with free prizes and drinks for all the kids, a free raffle and trophies for the winners in three age groups (0-5, 6-10, 11-15).
Trophies go to each age group champion (for the most inches of fish) and a runner-up in each.
Also, trophies for "big fish" are awarded in each age group.
Participants who use light tackle and small hooks tend to do the best as they pile up the lengths of dozens of small fish on their entry cards after they are measured and recorded by volunteers.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring a ruler and something to write with, but organizers always have extras and welcome any help.
Any questions about sponsorship, volunteering or participating should call me at (812) 464-7511 or e-mail at fords@courierpress.com.
All kids, even any without equipment, are welcome. See you July 4, which is just more than a week away.