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Fathers, families have fun at fishing derby
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June 22, 2010 | 12:37 AM
Father's Day weekend is lots of different things for dads. It may be the cool gifts he gets or the memories of the time he spends with his family.
The most valuable, however, is probably the time he spends with his family. Many families agreed that the time spent was irreplaceable as they headed to Centennial Park for the Tinley Park-Park District's 14th Annual Del Melton Kid's Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 19..
On a gorgeous morning in Tinley, kids and their dads lined up along the pier at Centennial Park to catch as many fish and they could.
"Today is a lot better weather-wise than last year," said Stacey Green, special events coordinator for the park district. "Last year it rained, but it is a great day (no matter the weather) for families to come out and enjoy the peace and quiet of the weekend."
Green said all together there were approximately 75 families who registered.
"Some register before the event, but others wait until the day off to see what the weather will be like," Green said.
The fishing derby is for kids, ages 2-13, although parents are required to be there with them to monitor or help them if needed.
The fishing derby also gets assistance from a local organization, the Windy City Bass Masters.
"Del Melton ran this fishing derby years ago," said Dave Vaclav, Windy City Bass Masters member and Tinley resident. "He also ran a fishing club for kids. When he passed away I took over his responsibilities."
Vaclav also said that the purpose of the fishing derby is for the kids to have fun and that everyone is a winner.
"With it being Father's Day weekend, it's a nice gift for dads (to be able to spend time with them)," Vaclav said.
Kids were judge on age groups and categories. Each age group -- 2-6, 7-10, and 11-13 -- had winners for most fish caught and largest fish caught.
Tinley Park brother and sister team Emily, 3, and Emilio, 6, Nieto were there with their family enjoying the day. Both brother and sister caught a couple of fish. Emily caught a seven-inch Striper. Emily said she was very excited and when she caught the fish she said, "I want to pet it."
Emilio said he was also very excited. He caught a 15-inch bass.
"It's been a great day," said Marcus Nieto, Emily and Emilio's father. "We did this to be able to spend time with the family. We wished more of our family could have been here."
Emily and Emilio's uncle, Joe Montes, and grandpa, Tim McGuire, came out to support the kids and to see if they could win the derby.
Tinley residents, the Beranek family also came out to the fishing derby. Kim Beranek, mom of Adam, 4, and Billy, 5, said her son Billy caught the first fish of the day, a seven-inch Striper. Both Billy and Adam said this has been a really fun day.
"I think it's a great event. Kids are having a lot of fun today," said Bill Beranek, father to Adam and Billy. "I'm glad I was dragged out of bed to come here."
And the winners are:
Ages 2-6:
Most fish: Paige Strugnell -- 4 blue gill, 1 large mouth bass
Largest fish: Emilio Nieto -- 15-inch Bass
Ages 7-10:
Most fish: John Ucha -- 22 blue gill
Largest fish: Joey Vaitkus -- 8 ½ -inch white bass
Ages 11-13
Most fish: Justin Vaitkus -- 27
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