Who will catch the biggest, longest and heaviest fish is the annual query concerning the Johnston Parks & Recreation Department’s always-colorful and fun-filled Youth Fishing Derby.
All the answers will be available this Saturday afternoon sometime around 3:30 after the JPRD hosts back-to-back fishing events for kids in two seperat4e age categories.
Vin Jackvony, the Johnston Parks and Recreation Department’s program coordinator, announced that boys and girls age 4-7 will cast their lines into the War Memorial Park pond from 12-1:30 p.m.
He also announced that kids ages 8-12 will fish from 2-3:30 p.m. during the annual event that Jackvony noted “provides many, many memories and photo opportunities for parents.”
Moreover, there’s absolutely no entry fee for either age category but Jackvony, while speaking on behalf of Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Mazzulla, said in a rather stern tone of voice, “Please remember this derby is mean for the kids; please let the kids do all the fishing. Adults can help case the lines and release the fish if necessary, but most of all have fun.”
In keeping with tradition, Saturday’s Youth fishing Derby will again be sponsored by the JRPD, Save the Lakes and Citizens Bank – which Mayor Joseph Polisena refers to as “the Town of Johnston’s great corporate partner” – and the Rhode Island of Environmental Management that stocks the War Memorial Park pond every year for the Derby.
Likewise, the event has – and will again have - valuable assistance each and every year from the Ocean State Bassmasters Association.
“The (Johnston Youth) Fishing Derby is a lot of fun for the kids and all our guys really enjoy helping weigh their many matches watch the special smiles on each child’s face after they catch a fish or more,” Jack Martone, a highly-accomplished musician and member of the Ocean State Bassmasters, noted. “I personally look forward to this great event every year.”
Meanwhile, Jackvony mused with a serious tone running in his voice, “Let’s hope old man weather cooperates; if that’s the case we could have a record turnout. It’s always quite the spectacle when the sun’s out and the banks around the (Johnston War Memorial) Park pond are lined with parents helping their kids cast their lines then watching them reel in a fish.”
Jackvony also announced there will be awards for individual achievements at the conclusion of Saturday’s Derby.
Anyone who’d like further information about the Youth Fishing Derby or any of the Johnston Parks and recreation Department’s well-organized programs are urged to call (401) 272-3460 during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Among the Parks Department’s most popular events will be the track and field club for 2019, T-Ball and Spring Basketball League for kids in grades 4 to 6 and the summer day camp that will commence on July 8.
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