With a turn out of well over 50 children and their families, it was clear that the rain didn’t put a damper on the 26th annual Wayland Youth Fishing Derby, this past weekend. Every spring since 1999, families gather for what has become a tradition – a morning of fun and fishing at Mill Pond.
“This is a great event and they do a really great job getting sponsors and making it fun for the kids,” said Sarah Peterson, who has been attending the event with her children for the last 15 years. Her son, Hans (6) hooked a sunfish as one of the first catches of the morning.
Thanks to generous sponsors and donations, the event is free and all proceeds go to charity, explained organizer and local business owner Tom Antonellis. The recipient this year was Wayland Youth and Family Services but over the years have included Rebuilding Together Boston, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
“I had a vision of both getting the community involved as well as giving back,” said Antonellis. “There’s children in need all around the world.”
The event has grown substantially over the last 25 years. At the [beginning], we had coffee, donuts and ribbons with two hours of fishing and see you next year,” Antonellis described.
Now sponsors include local businesses, as well as residents, with monetary and material donations. Chick-fil-a sandwiches were handed out alongside baked goods from Panera Bread, with Starbucks coffee was on hand for the parents.
“It’s a beautiful event, they do an amazing job,” said Wayland parent Katrina Ford, a rod in each hand while her son, Patrick (3) grabs a bright orange net. This is Ford and Patrick’s third fishing Derby. “We really love coming,” she said.
The lake is populated with rainbow trout stocked by Mass Fish and Wildlife alongside the native sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish.
The trout stocked on Tuesday, April 22 were particularly large this year, commented Tom’s son, David Antonellis, who was manning the measuring table, after recording a 14” trout caught by Steve Doyle (9).
Fishing can teach children valuable lessons, said Antonellis. “It’s non-competitive and brings them to the outdoors, learning that not every day there’s a winner or loser,” he said.
When asked what the most important thing fishing teaches his children, “patience,” was the first thing Zia Anwari said. Anwari and his two young children are keen fishers, but this is only their second Derby. His son, Alan (4) caught a sunfish.
When asked what his favorite part about fishing was, Jack Sullivan (9), bluntly replied “catching the fish,” after having hooked a 12” bass earlier that morning. “Or eating the fish,” he added thoughtfully.
Sponsors:
Carpentry By Tom Antonellis
Dave Antonellis
Laurie Antonellis
Anna Meliones Photography
btone Fitness
Chick-fil-a
CPS Heating & Cooling
Cooks Automotive
Senator Jaime Eldridge
Gingersnap Cookie Co.
Installations Plus
Melanie Small Design
Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe
Middlesex Savings Bank
Peter Muise
Peter Muise, Jr.
Nabisco
National Amusements
North Attleboro Fish Hatchery
Ocean Spray
Peterson Remodeling
Residential Exteriors
Shep’s Gas
Starbucks Coffee
The Carrol Group / Merrill Lynch
The Village Bank
Titleist Golf
Walden Local
Washek Electric
Wayland DPW
Wayland Police
Wayland Recreation
Wayland Variety
What Now Photography
Yankee Lighting Workshop
