Local Voices
Hundreds of Fish Were Caught and Released at The 10th Annual World's Greatest Fishing Derby
More than 300 guests attended The 10th Annual World's Greatest Fishing Derby held Saturday, June 29 on Maple Lane Farm in Yorkville. Jimmy Hugunin and JH Construction organize this yearly event to encourage families to enjoy nature and the outdoors. The event was free for guests which included families from GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley Down Syndrome Awareness Centers and the Aurora Hesed House.
Kids were supplied with fishing rods, tackles and bait and taught how to fish on the Maple Lane Farm pond. More than 400 bass, bluegill and crappies were caught and released resulting in huge smiles from the participants. The Oswego Fishing Club assisted the kids with fishing and loaner poles. Land O Lakes Tackle Company supplied the prizes and tackles for the participants.
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"It was a pleasure and an honor for us to be able to give local kids this type of experience. It was priceless to watch many of the youngsters having their first fishing experience." said Hugunin. "We are grateful to Randy and Sandra Miles for donating their farm and the NASCAR race stimulator for this special occasion."
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In addition to the fishing lessons and derby, participants were able to enjoy the petting zoo from Ark on Wheels and the interactive critter area which was supplied with local frogs, turtles and other animals by the Hugunin and Schultz families. There was even a surprise visit from Iron Man. All guests enjoyed a lunch that was donated by the Musky Inc Club of Quad County Hawg Hunters. Party Hoppers donated the snow cones and the Dinosaur moon jumper.
"We are thankful to the Fishing Derby volunteers that worked tirelessly to make this an exciting event for our families," said Marissa Yelenosky, program leader at GiGi's Playhouse Fox Valley Down Syndrome Awareness Centers. "Our teens had a wonderful time learning to fish and enjoy the outdoors. We're hoping to come back again next year."
For more information about The World's Greatest Fishing Derby call Jimmy at 630-849-6648.
