PETERBOROUGH —Ducks Unlimited Canada is passing the torch this year to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) as lead partner for the 31st Annual Peterborough Greenwing Fishing Derby.
“The OFAH is thrilled to continue the tradition of this showcase community event, which provides a great outdoors experience for children to participate in alongside their family and friends,” said Angelo Lombardo, Executive Director of the OFAH. “With so many indoor distractions, such as computers and video games, the OFAH is dedicated to getting kids outside to engage with their natural surroundings, to encourage the conservation of Ontario’s fish and wildlife, their habitats, and the ecosystems that support them, and to ensure sustainable benefits for all Ontarians.”
Running from April 28 to May 4, “the Peterborough Greenwing Fishing Derby is a terrific way for children to learn the sport of fishing and, hopefully, start them on the road to making it a lifelong passion,” adds Lynette Mader, Manager of Provincial Operations for Ducks Unlimited Canada. “It’s also an opportunity to learn a little more about waterfowl, wildlife and wetland conservation from the passionate and dedicated DUC and OFAH volunteers who organize and host the annual event.”
Fish arrive at the base of Peterborough’s famous Lift Lock at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25 and everyone is invited to come out and witness the spectacle of releasing thousands of fish into the canal. More than 300 of those fish have been tagged, and according to event co-chairman, Gordon Bowley, the real fun begins with a “splash” on Saturday, April 28, when children 15 and under get the chance to have some fun and reel-in amazing prizes.
“This really is a community event,” says Bowley. “People come from across the region and beyond to join in on the fun. Those who started out bringing their children 30 years ago, are now bringing their grandchildren. It’s truly become a family tradition.”
It’s become a tradition among local businesses as well. Thanks to their generous support, participants can look forward to another year of incredible prizes – everything from fishing rods, tackle boxes, to camping equipment and mountain bikes. As always, the “Big Fish” grand prize package will also be awarded to anyone who catches the elusive, Walter.
Registration is required for all participants — just $15 for the first child and $5 for each additional child per family. Registration includes instant prizes and lunch on Saturday only. No prizes will be awarded after 4 p.m. on Saturday, except for the “Big Fish” prize, if Walter is caught prior to May 4 at 4 p.m. Fishing is open to registered adults ($15 per adult) from Sunday, April 29 at 9 a.m. through Friday, May 4 at 4 p.m. A creel limit of two fish per person exists.
Proceeds generated from the event will stay local in support of youth and educational initiatives delivered through the OFAH | Mario Cortellucci Hunting & Fishing Heritage Centre.
For more information:
Dan McWilliams or Gordon Bowley
Co-chairs, Peterborough Greenwing Fishing Derby
Phone: 705-743-4597
E-mail: ptbo.greenwing@gmail.com
Shawn Cayley
OFAH Manager of Communications
705-748-6324 ext. 270
shawn_cayley@ofah.org