WATERVILLE – In 2005, the village of Waterville hosted its first fishing derby – a free, family-friendly event that guaranteed each child would receive a prize.
On Saturday, Aug. 29, the city of Waterville – along with Anthony Wayne Area Rotary Club –will host its 20th and final fishing derby at Waterworks Park, said organizer Jodi Shaneyfelt.
Open to children ages 6 to 14, this year’s derby promises to be the best yet, as remaining funds will be used as cash prizes in a raffle, in addition to the gift certificates, fishing rods, tackle and other goodies donated by area businesses.
This year’s event will include a drone demonstration by the Waterville police and fire departments, a rope making activity led by members of Scout Troop 101 members, plus plenty of food and fishing.
“Please come and enjoy. It doesn’t cost anything. And even if you don’t catch anything, you will get a prize,” she said.
The idea for a derby came up in 2004, when now-retired Public Works Director Kenny Blair heard about Perrysburg’s derby. He and his wife, Tammy, along with Shaneyfelt, went to check it out.
“We really liked it, so we came back and began planning,” she said.
That first year, prizes were given to the top three – based on the number of fish caught and biggest fish caught – in each age category.
“And it poured like a monsoon,” Shaneyfelt recalled. “So we decided that we would give prizes to anyone who stayed until the end, even if they didn’t catch a fish.”
From Day 1, Waterville Bodyworks, Waterville Gas Company, Waterville Family Physicians, Waterville Hardware, Franklin Ice Cream, Maumee Bait and Tackle, and Pisanello’s Pizza have been supporters. The second year, the derby got a boost from dozens of businesses who provided more donations. When Shawn’s, Biggby and other new businesses opened in Waterville, they joined in supporting the event as well.
Anthony Wayne Area Rotary joined in helping out with the event a few years in, with members wearing bright yellow vests and carrying clipboards fanning out around Waterworks Park to measure and record each angler’s catch before the fish is thrown back in.
The fenced-in pond is safe for children but easily accessible for fishing. The Public Works Department, in addition to setting up and working the event, keeps the pond clean and stocked for year-round catch and release fishing. The pond, which was named Blair Pond last year after Kenny’s retirement, is stocked with blue gill, largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and catfish. A few lucky anglers have nabbed a rare white catfish or a turtle, and those catches earn them a special prize, Shaneyfelt said.
Over the years, the event has drawn children from as far as Toledo, Wauseon and other communities, but many Waterville residents, including the Bayly, Bowen, Drees, Entenman, McManus and Meyers families, have made the derby a tradition. Last year, Wyatt Drees won the grand prize of a kayak. This year’s grand prize is a kayak donated by Muddy Waters Outdoor.
Signing up early is important. One year, 75 kids showed up, resulting in snagged lines, so registration was capped at 60. Attendance has fluctuated over the years, and Shaneyfelt believes the increase in Saturday sports practices and tournaments is one reason why. That’s one reason for ending the derby after 20 years. The event takes a lot of planning by Shaneyfelt and a team of volunteers throughout the year, but she believes it’s been worth it.
“The best part is seeing these kids smile when they catch a fish or win a prize,” she said.
In addition to fishing, families can enjoy a playground and access to the Maumee River. The event takes place at Waterworks Park, 231 S. River Rd. Families should bring their own fishing rod and tackle, but bait will be provided. To register, visit waterville.org.
