Hooks For Harry - Newfane Marina - Recap

[JayM3456]

On Saturday June 27th the Town of Newfane Marina hosted the annual Hooks for Harry, Town of Newfane Kids Fishing Derby. A picture-perfect day greeted the kids at the 8:00 am start time. This year there were a total of 155 kids entered in the derby. They fished until 12:00 pm at which time they were treated to a pizza lunch and the handing out of the prizes and awards. This year’s big winner was Peyton Hirshman from Barker with a 24” Channel Catfish. For winning the Kids Derby, Peyton chose a custom fishing rod donated by Scott Geist of Ghost Rods, a long-time volunteer and supporter of the derby. Although I would say that all the kids participating this year were all winners, being able to be out fishing with family and friends and enjoying the day by the water. It was very heartwarming to be there and helping out with such a great cause.

 

This is the third year that LOTSA was one of the many sponsors of the derby, and we look forward to being involved with this great day for the kids for many years to come. I would like to give a big shout out to Vic Thibault, the derby organizer and the many volunteers who put in the many hours that it takes to make the day special for the kids. Also I would like to thank LOTSA members Joe Derda,  Jason Monkelbaan and James Wargo who took time out of their Saturday to help make this event a great success.  This year a total of more than $5,000.00 was donated in food, prizes, fishing poles, tackle, bait and awards. It was truly a great day for such a great cause, the kids.

 

The Derby is named in memory of 8-year-old Harrison Hazlett who at the age of 5 was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer. Harry loved to fish and would spend many hours doing what he loved most, being at one of his favorite fishing spots enjoying the day. On a bright Saturday morning in late June of 2022, while fishing in the kid’s derby, Harry would reel in an 18” Largemouth Bass that would end up being the largest fish caught in the derby. Unfortunately, in August of 2022 Harry lost his courageous battle with the disease and is now up in Heaven shining down on us, at a new fishing spot enjoying what he loved most.

 

LOTSA is grateful for being able to help out with such a great cause. In closing I would like to encourage all of you to make a kid’s day and take them fishing. Remember they are our fishing future carrying on what we all love to do.

 

John Suttell LOTSA Board member