The 16th Annual Alameda Community Rink Fishing Derby and Supper was held on June 30. Beginning with a pancake breakfast at six in the morning the fishermen and women were out shortly after. With beautiful weather and people coming from all over they reached a record breaking number of people.
Concern for holding the derby on the long weekend was expressed, but in the end they had their most successful derby to date. "Lots of local people went away for the weekend, but there were lots who came to visit the park from elsewhere that registered. We weren't sure if the long weekend would help or hurt us, but it's been the biggest turn out yet." Missy Hull, a volunteer for the derby, stated.
There were 323 adults who registered to partake in the day at $75 for the derby and supper, while 54 youth were registered for $35. Many commented on how the day was perfect, though the fish could have been bigger. They were ultimately just happy to have a great day out on the water doing something they love.
Out of the 323 registered adults, there were 265 that actually were on the water fishing. The others buying tickets to support the community initiatives that the money was raised for.
During the beef supper and the following evening Loudmouth Entertainment provided music. There were prizes given out to each of the youth registered in the event and over half of the adults would walk away with a prize. On top of prizes given out for registering a Chinese Auction was held for everyone to have a chance in sharing the wealth.
Drawn for first were the early bird prizes. An iPad was donated by Mayco Well Servicing and won by Ryan Hull. The youth prizes, two bicycles, were donated by Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation and won by Connor Hewitt and Hunter McNabb.
For the biggest fish prize money was given out with a guaranteed $5,000 to be handed out. Doug Temple caught the fish of the day at 10.26 pounds, which was 36.75 inches long. Temple won both the largest fish and the payout for the longest Northern Pike. Cash prizes were handed out to the top eight catches.
The youth entry was won by Taylor Haux with a fish that was 9.24 pounds. The youth with the top three catches also received cash prizes.
