Youth Fishing Derby planned for July 18 is cancelled
Photo by Tom Rivers: Iyla Lilleby, 12, of Medina tries to catch a fish in the Oak Orchard Harbor during last year’s inaugural DC Outdoors fishing derby.
CARLTON – A youth fishing derby that debuted last July 13 has been cancelled for this year due to health concerns with Covid-19.
The derby had 60 participants last year. It was open to kids 15 and younger, with prizes for three age divisions.
After fishing at the Oak Orchard River and at the Oak Orchard Harbor at Point Breeze, participants had a picnic at the Orleans County Marine Park.
Organizers decided not to put children and the adult volunteers at risk with the derby planned for July 18. Dan Conrad, one of the leaders of DC Outdoors, said the Health Department and community members shared their concerns about the derby.
“I wish more than anything to still have it,” Conrad said.
It will also be difficult to get sponsorships and donated items for the derby because so many local businesses are struggling due to being shut down and restricted due to precautions against with the virus, Conrad said.
DC Outdoors encourages children and families to experience the outdoors. Conrad said he hopes to coordinate other outdoor activities later this year once some of the restrictions are lifted.
