Burlington Boatyard is one many local lake stewards (LCI, LCSC, Outdoors Magazine to name a few) that understand the essential role social media plays in promoting environmental and ecological awareness in both our local lake community and other watersheds around the country. We ask that you take a moment to provide your insight, opinions, thoughts and concerns with ECHO via this survey, and appreciate your continued support for all of us who strive to make positive impacts on Lake Champlain and beyond.

“Will Fish For Fun” Kids Derby is an open fishing derby for kids up to the age of 14 from anywhere or from any means. Our goal is to give them a connection with nature. This is a free event with no restrictions. The grand price is a Lifetime Vermont State Fishing License (for the oldest age group only). It is held and headquartered at the Burlington boat house every year, the Saturday after Labor Day (September 12th this year). Fishing is limited to the Burlington Waterfront from shore. Only kids are allowed to fish, and parents are encouraged to coach by all means. There is a coaching crew but our coaches can get overwhelmed very quickly. People who are interested in becoming coaches can apply directly with the Event Organizer, Pete Thayer (send requests to “therocknvt@yahoo.com”).

The derby kicks off at 8am, rain or shine, and ends at 11:30am. We are happy and proud to have Charlie Papillo from WVMT Radio’s “The Charlie and Ernie Show” on AM620 weekdays early morning, not only hosting our derby, but also helping us promote the event and gain sponsorship, and in general keeping the kids smiling.

If you and your children would like to participate, go to the website www.willfishforfun.com, and click on the Contact Us page to fill out the information for each child (we need it for t-shirt and pole sizes). Once the information is submitted, you will receive an email containing your registration paperwork, which you will need to bring on the day of the Derby.

Last year we had a moving line with over 100 kids in it for over an hour. Need to get’em kids fishing. We have given away over 300 fishing poles since our start 2 yrs ago and we hope to be able to buy and give away that many this year alone. We are doubling the bait order, which is partly donated by Hog Island Bait in Alburg, so nobody will go wormless. Junior’s Italian, which has been supporting us since our 1^st derby, is also donating again this year.

We will have pizzas for a free picnic lunch on the dockside after fishing. Hannaford’s Foods has been quite generous in the past also, providing hot dogs, buns, and all the fixings. Bob and Paula Diaco from Signarama have donated the beautiful banners and the Fishing Leader Board for our event, Bob is also a Derby Judge. We have had Vermont Fish and Wildlife Game Warden, Justin Stedman, there to teach the kids the laws to protect fish and wildlife in our State. The Ed Weed Hatchery in Grand Isle has donated the use of a 300 gallon aquarium, so we can display the fish once they are weighed in. Over 90% of the day’s catch are released back into the lake unharmed, for next year. Champ of Vermont Lake Monsters will return this year, along with some of his buddies (other mascots from local ventures), to provide entertainment and hand out freebies to the kids. The Vermont National Guard has donated a tent to help keep things dry if needed. We will be giving away 500 t-shirts on a first-come-first-serve basis. The shirts will be blaze orange in color, which we intentionally chose to make kids easy to spot.

We have over 30 volunteers working hard to give the kids a great experience this year. There are 3 different age groups: 2-5yr/6-9yr/10-14yr and each group will have 1st/2nd/3rd place trophies. Also, there are Best Sportsperson/Smallest Fish/Most Unusual Fish category trophies. We try and give away other prizes also, but we are limited by our funding.

Stats

1^st year: we had 192 smiling kids who weighed in 413 fish, gave away 130 poles, and 200 t-shirts, consumed 20 large pizzas and 200 hot dogs.

2nd year: we had 515 smiling kids who weighed in 917 fish, gave away 175 poles, and 300 t-shirts, consumed 40 large pizzas and 400 hot dogs.

This year, we expect 800-900 kids to weigh in 1500 fish plus, give away 300 poles and 500 t-shirts, food consumption unknown as of yet…

“Claiming to be the largest kids fishing derby in Vermont until proven different.”

Notable Sponsors List

• Frankie and Megan from Juniors Italian Restaurant, for food and gift certificate donations (3yrs)
• Ray Pecor from Lake Champlain Ferries for donations and hooking us up with champ (3yrs)
• Reggie from Hollywood Video for hanging the banners and donations (2yrs)
• Chris and his son Aaron from Washburn’s Autobody in Williston. Donations (3yrs)
• Tom and Nancy Ryan from Electronic Hospital. Donations (3yrs)
• Gail McKenna from Crowley Insurance. Donations (2yrs)
• Arlo Cota from Imported car Center. Donations(3yrs)
• Scott Bond from Bond Auto Parts. Donations (3yrs)
• Garrett Crowley and Burlington Elks Club of North Avenue. Donations (2yrs)
• 8 branches of the Chittenden bank in Chittenden county (1st year) 8x $100 donations
• Tony and Carol of Thompson’s Golf Carts. Donation (3 yrs)
• Armand and Eddie of Rathe Bros. Salvage. Donations (3yrs)
• Jay and Karen Germaine of The Pour House on Williston rd. Donations (3yrs)
• Hannaford’s Foods for our food needs (3yrs)
• Rob Couture from Homepride Carpentry. Donations (3yrs)
• Vermont National Guard. Personnel and tents (3yrs)
• Justin Stedman. Vermont State Game Warden. Time and example (3yrs)
• Bridget Hauman, for bookkeeping service and donation (3yrs)
• Charlie Papillo from WVMT Radio, for music, event hosting and promotion
• All of our STAFF for their volunteered time and effort

All the little people that make big people smile.