Will Fish for Fun Media Release " “
“Will fish for fun”, kids’ derby, is an open fishing derby for kids 14 and under, from anywhere/from any means. The purpose is to give them a connection with nature. This is a free derby with no restrictions, and is held at the Burlington Boathouse every year, on the saturday after Labor Day, which falls on Sept. 11th, this year. Fishing is limited to the Burlington waterfront area. No boats are allowed to fish. Parents are not allowed to fish, but are encouraged to coach their children. A crew of fishing coaches will be present, but they can be overwhelmed with so many youngsters. People interested in becoming coaches need to contact Pete Thayer at www.therocknvt@yahoo . Fishing starts 8:00 am, rain or shine; and continues until 11:30am.
Please go to the website http://willfishforfun.com, look for the REGISTRATION tab. Print it out and complete one form for each child that will attend. This information is needed for T-shirt and poles size. Registration is available through the website and must be brought with your child to the derby. Last year our line had 100 kids waiting in line for over an hour. Having the form completed when you arrive will get you through the line quicker.
In the 4 years since our start, we have given away over 600 fishing poles and hope to be able to buy and give away that many this year. We are doubling the bait order which is partly being donated by Hog Island Bait in Alburg, VT.. So that no one will go wormless, there will be 2,000 crawlers.
Another sponsor is Juniors Italian Restaurant, which is donating for the fourth year in a row, pizzas for our after fishing dockside picnic.
Hannaford Foods have been quite generous in the past also, donating Hot Dogs and such.
Bob and Paula Diaco, from Signarama, have donated considerable time, not only for Bob as a judge, but donated the beautiful banners and the fishing leader board.
We hope to have a representative from the VT Fish and Wildlife, to teach the kids laws protecting fish and wildlife. Bobber Bob will be there as well from Lake Champlain International. He will give out freebies to the kids.
The Ed Weed Hatchery in Grand Isle, has donated the use of a 300 gallon aquarium there at the Waterfront, so that the kids can see their fish once the fish are weighed in. Over 90% of the fish caught, are released unharmed, back into the lake for another days fishing.
We will be giving away 300 T-Shirts, on a first come-first serve basis. This year again we've chosen a bright color so that participants can be easily seen. After the derby, participants can wear it with pride.
We have over 30 people who have donated their time and energy to give the kids a good experience. We are greatful to all our volunteers.
There are 3 different age groups; ages 2-5years, ages 6-9 and ages10-14. There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies handed out, along with Best Sportsperson, Smallest Fish, and Most Unusual Fish. Other prizes are dependent on donated funds, which are limited right now.
In 2007, the first year of the derby, 192 kids presented 413 fish to be weighed in, with even more caught. 130 poles and 200 T-Shirts were given out. 200 Hotdogs and 20 Pizzas were consumed.
In 2008, 515 kids presented 917 fish, with even more caught. 175 poles and 300 T-Shirts were passed out. 300 Hotdogs and 40 large pizzas were consumed.
In 2009 over 300 kids registered and weighed in over 843 fish. We handed out 125 fishing poles and 300 T-shirts to the kids, while they ate 50 large pizzas.
This year, 2010, we expect between 300 and 500 kids to show; we expect to hand out 150 poles and 300 T-Shirts; and an unknown number of Hotdogs and Pizzas.
We will continue to proudly claim to be the largest kids fishing derby in Vermont until proven different.
Notable sponsors are:
Frankie and Megan from Juniors Italian with pizzas, gift certificates and donations now for 4 years in a row
Ray Pecor from Lake Champlain Ferries, for donations and hooking us up with Champ for 3 years in a row.
Reggie from Hollywood Video, for hanging the banner, and donating 4 years in a row.
Chris and his son Aaron from Washburns Autobody in Williston donating 4 years.
Tom and Nancy Ryan from Electronic Hospital, donating 4 years in a row.
Gail McKenna from Crowley Insurance, donating 3 years.
Scott Bond from Bond Auto Parts, donating 4 years in a row.
Garrett Crowley and Burlington Elks Club of North Ave, donating 3 years.
8 branches of Peoples United Bank (formerly Chittenden Bank), in Chittenden County donating for the first year with eight One Hundred dollar donations.
Armand and Eddie of Rathe Brothers Salvage, donating 4 years now.
Jay and Karen Germaine, of the Pour House on Williston Rd, donating 4 years now.
Hannaford Foods for our food needs, 4 years in a row.
Rob Couture from Homepride Carpentry, donating 4 years.
Vermont National Guard, donating personnel and tents for 3 years now.
We will welcome a new Vt Game Warden, donating his time and example for the 4th year in a row.
Bridget Hauman for bookkeeping services, donating 4 years now.
WVMT Radio will provide music, hosting and promotion.
All our staff for their hidden time and effort. And ALL THE LITTLE PEOPLE THAT MAKE BIG PEOPLE SMILE . We do it because we love it.