The Wayland Youth Fishing Derby 2016 was held on Saturday April 30. Many of the enthusiastic fishing families of town to came out to take part in this annual event. Some participants even showed up early to stake out a prime spot on a very sunny spring morning; over 100 kids came out and the fish were biting.
For close to 20 years, the Annual Fishing Derby has been organized and sponsored by the local company, Carpentry by Tom Antonellis. The Derby was once sponsored by the Wayland Kiwanis Club but they disbanded in the 90’s and Antonellis made a personal pledge this fun event would continue for Wayland families.
Each year Antonellis has Mill Pond stocked with trout a few days before the Derby. This provides continued seasonal fishing at the pond but more importantly makes Derby day extra exciting. Children through eighth grade are invited to bring their own gear and bait and try to catch a winning fish. At the Derby, it’s not just the young participants who are excited, but so are the parents proudly watching the kids bring their catch to get measured by fishing experts Dave Antonellis and his cousin Tim. These two family members have been an important part of the Derby’s success because not only do they measure each year but they fix broken lines and give advice to novice fishing families.
The young anglers cast their lines into Mill Pond for the fun meanwhile hoping to win a prize, including prizes for largest and smallest fish of the day, and first fish in each age group. Saving accounts and stuffed pillow fish were given this year as prizes. This year, one of the kids brought in a whopper of a trout at 14”. Throughout the morning, the kids (and their families) enjoyed yummy goodies and hot cocoa to stay warm. They also stopped by the special prize table to get their chance to draw for free prizes like fishing poles, tackle boxes, fishing books, games and gift certificates to stores, movies and restaurants. Thanks to so many generous donors EVERY kid was a prize winner!
The derby supports a charity or non-profit in the community each year, hoping to encourage the community to give back while having a fun time. This year’s concession and adult raffle proceeds from the event raised money and awareness on behalf of The Vernon Cancer Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital. The Vernon Cancer Center was selected as it is close to the heart of the Antonellis family who has seen firsthand; through the care of family members and friends how the center provides high quality medical treatment and much needed support services to patients and families. NWH representative Amy Hurley was on hand to answer questions and share information about the Vernon’s programs.
As in past years in the raffle, all adults had opportunities to win fantastic gift certificates to things like; manicures, reflexology, restaurants, professional bakery items, wine, legal consultations and much more. One incredible new prize this year was a private tour of the Massachusetts State House and lunch nearby donated by Senator Richard Ross! All the donations to the raffle and concession table from people at the Derby totaled over $1450 to the Vernon Cancer Center!
This memorable event also would not be possible without the volunteers who come and spend their Saturday morning helping each Wayland fishing family have the best time possible each year! They are the ones who come early to set up, give out food and prizes, keep everyone informed, dance around in a bobber costume and clean up when it’s done. See you next year! For more information and photos please see waylandfishingderby.com and check back for updates.
The 2016 Wayland Youth Fishing Derby was made possible with the help and generous support of these local businesses who donated thousands of dollars in goods and services: Carpentry By Tom Antonellis, The Village Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Panera Breads, Wayland Variety And Deli, Allure Nails And Spa, Family Legal Partners, P.C, Whole Foods Market, Starbucks Coffee, Happy Feet Reflexology, Shep’s Gas, Metropolitan Cabinet & Counter Top, The Villa Restaurant, Subway, Ace Harware, Femiluxe Nails Bar, Russell’s Garden Center, The Local, Mel’s Commonwealth Café, Dovercraft Contruction, Salon Deelegance, Wayland Travel, Lavin’s Liquors, Bertucci’s, Natick Outdoor Store, B. L. Ogilvie & Son, Donelan’s Supermarkets, Jenna Carroll, Harvey Building Products, National Amusements, Tri County Rvths, Wayland Recreation, Wayland Police, Dunkin’ Donuts, Gem Cleaners, Beyond Bows, Karma Coffee, Senator Richard Ross, F&D Family Dentistry, Mass Wildlife, Caprarella Painting, Wayland DPW, Photographer Conrad Gees.
