Successful derby provides fishing, fun and prizes for everyone

Maricopa’s First Annual Parent-Child Fishing Derby was an unqualified success. The event, held at the Lakes at Province, began at 8 a.m. on July 4. Kids, ages 5-12, and their parents spent approximately an hour and a half in a catch and release tournament.

Parents and their children wait patiently for the fish to bite.

The City of Maricopa’s Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department presented the event under the leadership of Director Marty McDonald. Each of the 119 children who participated received a fully outfitted tackle box courtesy of Dave Zaiser Realty, a new fishing pole donated by Fry’s Marketplace and a gold fishing derby medal.

Anthony Lumactod, who caught the first fish of the day, sits on his new tackle box and displays his gold medal.

Peyton Kasper (left) shows off her new fishing pole. Natasha Nechvatal wore her pink fishing shoes.

Jake Cannon brought his own chair for some serious fishing.

Paul Craig, who had two children entered in the event, laughed, “I’m afraid more parents are going to get hooked today than fish.”

The Craig family fishermen, Kayla, Tyler and dad Paul.

Ethan Jamieson’s proud catch was captured by his dad, Matt.

The derby was originally the brainchild of City Councilmen Steve Baker and Kelly Haddad. Meant to provide a traditional type of small community event, sponsors included Baker, Haddad, Mayor Kelly Anderson and local businesses Dave Zaiser Realty, Fry’s Marketplace, Maricopa Mountain Plumbing, Orbitel Communications, Southwest Sod and XTreme Fitness which is opening in August in the Fry’s Marketplace center.

“I thought we needed something great for youth, and we needed a big kick off. Besides, my kids are always asking me to take them fishing,” explained Baker. “This is a great turnout. Marty has been doing a great job, and our sponsors really stepped up to the plate.”

Steve Baker and daughter Lucy.

Haddad added, “This is an absolutely wonderful turnout. We couldn’t ask for more, except maybe more fish. I’d like to thank everyone who participated and also Marty for all his work and efforts.”

Fry’s Marketplace executives Bill Calus (left) and Kirk Reinke man the barbeque grill.

Raffle prizes and trophies were awarded following the fishing portion of the event. Fry’s Marketplace provided a barbeque lunch for all participants.