Derby Day in Christopher becomes a gift

One thing that all anglers consider a gift is perfect weather, and that's just what attendees at the 24th-annual Christopher Youth Fishing Derby got last Saturday.
More than 75 youngsters were on the banks and docks of the Izaak Walton Club lake enjoying fishing, food, friends and a lot of fun.
One of the largest groups of kids ever to come out also got some knowledge and inspiration in the outdoors. Sue Kirsch of the Shawnee National Forest gave solid information on camping and enjoying the 300,000 acres of the Shawnee Forest safely and responsibly.  Nationally known outdoors entertainer and presenter Camo the Camouflage Clown fired up the kids with the benefits of outdoor fun and appreciation for the critters that live there. His message was also geared to the adults present: "Youngsters thrive in the outdoor world."
Then there was fishing. At weigh-in, some competitors had caught their first fish, some a few, and more than a few young anglers had a couple of pounds of fish. Remembering that many fish were tiny, the production was fairly good on this day.
Biggest stringer prizes were given in three categories with three places, and several rods were given to first-timers and those who didn't actually own one. The biggest fish prize, the John Hampton Sr. trophy, went to Wyatt Behm of Christopher. The Del Rea Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy was awarded to Aiden Kretz for his unselfish action regarding fishing during the day.
From organizers to the kids who had a ball and the adults who contributed to give them some outdoor activity, everyone was very pleased with the day. John Gaz summed it up well when he said, "We couldn't do it without our sponsors."