Tom Henihan
Express Staff
smokyriverexpress.com
The tenth annual Children’s Fishing Derby at Winagami Lake Provincial Park took place on Saturday June 9, with a cold breeze coming off the water, though things warmed up somewhat in the early afternoon.
That cold, rainy conditions were forecast probably acted as a deterrent for many, as the turnout was rather small with just over 30 ids registered for the event.
However, even with thirty or so participants, adding family and friends to the numbers there was a good crowd attending the overall event and the kids participating in the derby had plenty of room to try their luck at different spots along the breakwater.
The Knights of Columbus McLennan/High Prairie Council has put on the event for the past ten years with the support of municipalities, businesses and individuals in the region who donate the numerous prizes for both the derby winners and the items available in the draws: such as kids bikes, power tools, fishing gear, the grand prize of a plane ride and a great deal more.
As with any event that depends on the weather the outcome is always uncertain but nevertheless, the same energy and attention to detail is still demanded of the organizers and the same number of volunteers need to be on hand.
The winners at the 2018 Children’s Fishing Derby in the 10 and under category are: most fish caught, Emma Gour with 8 fish and Janessa Burlock came in second with 5 fish. The prize for biggest northern pike went to Monique Lepage for a 65.5 cm and 3.19 lbs fish.
Brody Dusterhoft caught the only walleye of the day but it was not weighed or measured because it was undersize.
In the 11 to 17 category Gave Dusterhoft won “most fish caught” with 14 fish and second place went to Luc Blanchette with 12 fish.
Biggest northern pike prize went to Jordan Sylvain for a 64.5 cm and 3.17 lbs fish.
The only walleye caught in the 11 to 17 category was by Juliana Reichel but it wasn’t weighed or measured as it was undersize.
The main beneficiary from the annual fishing derby fundraiser event is The Wheelchair Foundation of Canada with some of the proceeds also going to other charitable causes.
The money raised by such events as the Children’s Fishing Derby along with having an extensive reach in helping people around the world, the Knights of Columbus also donated wheelchairs to those in need in this region such as High Prairie, Falher, Girouxville. The organization is also closely involved with the Special Olympics.
