21st Annual Kids Fishing Derby

Saturday - June 4, 2011 - 8:30AM to Noon

The Richmond Hill Exchange Club held our 21st Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 8:30 AM to Noon, at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery on GA Highway 144 in Richmond Hill, between the Library and the Kroger store. Registration began at 8:00 AM, and fishing started at 8:30AM. The derby was open to children ages 15 and under, accompanied by their parents or adult guardian, with awards being presented to children 12 and under. Over the past twenty-one years, thousands of children and their families have participated. We had another great turnout in 2011, with over 315 children participating, plus an equal number of parents, grandparents, and other adults attending as well. Our 2011 fishing derby took place at three Fish Hatchery ponds that had been stocked with catfish and bream. Most participants brought their own fishing poles and bait, although a good supply of free bait and fishing poles was available too at no charge. Thanks to the Savannah Coca Cola Bottling Company for the use of their Coke Wagon, as well as a generous supply of Coke products, and to Roger Wood Meats for providing hot dogs. The DNR staff and Exchange Club members will cook and serve hotdogs for the participants and their families. There is never any charge for anyone participating in this event. Trophies for the largest single fish, and most total pounds of fish were awarded immediately following the derby, for two age groups--ages six and under, and ages seven to twelve. US Savings Bonds are also being awarded to the children in the two age groups who catch the most total pounds of fish. Special thanks to Bryan Bank & Trust for providing the Saving Bonds every year for the past 21 years. Several door prizes were also be provided by The Richmond Hill Exchange Club also. Special thanks to the many Exchange Club members who have helped make this event a success over the years, and also to the staff members from the local DNR Offices and Fish Hatchery, without whose hard work and great facilities our event would not be possible. Members of the Bryan Lodge of Georgia Masons was also on hand to prepare identity kits for the parents of children participating in the tournament. This program is known as GACHIP, and additional information can be found at: http://www.gachip.org

Richmond Hill Exchange Club Fishing Derby Chairman Lynn Bennett, and Treasurer Shirley Heagerty presented trophies to the 2011 derby winners in the various categories immediately following the derby, as well as several door prizes. Those derby categories included First Fish Caught, Most Total Pounds (limit of 10 catfish), and Heaviest Fish. $50 Savings Bonds and/or trophies were awarded for the various categories based on age, 7 to 12, and 6 and under. The savings bonds awarded were donated by Bryan Bank and Trust, and the trophies were donated by the Exchange Club of Richmond Hill. In addition to these awards, there were also door-prizes provided by the Exchange Club and given away during the derby. The Exchange Club wishes to give special thanks the staff of the local Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery for their assistance over the past twenty years, as well as the use of their wonderful facilities. The Bryan Bank and Trust has provided the savings bond awards for the past twenty-one years, and Savannah Coca Cola Bottling Co. has assisted with the use of their Coke Wagon and supplies of products for many years, and their help is greatly appreciated in helping to make the event a continuing success. Thousands of kids and their families have enjoyed this event over the past two decades, and we look forward to continuing the derby for many years to come.