Optimists sponsor another success Fishing Derby

Sep. 17—Betty Hayes said watching the smiles on the children's faces is worth it.

Hayes, secretary for the Muskogee Breakfast Optimists Club, said every year of the annual Fishing Derby at the Honor Heights fishing pond brings another surprise.

"It caught me off guard when I heard that three generations of a family had been coming," she said. "It makes me feel good that a grandfather had so much fun that he brought his son, and the son enjoyed it so much that he brought his son."

Hayes said 42 children ranging from pre-K through fifth grade came out to fish at the 39th event with one or both parents. Schools from all around the area were represented.

"Some of the kids didn't have fishing poles so we let them borrow one," said Optimists Treasurer James Young. "A lot of stuff was donated from area businesses. Walmart donated some things, Love's provided soft drinks, worms for bait were donated. We can't thank them enough."

Prizes were awarded for first, second and third for each grade level. Winners received tackle, tackle boxes or fishing poles.

"The Wildlife Department not only helped us out but they came in Friday and stocked the pond," Young said. "It's fun to see the kids bring in their fish, get it measured and go back out. The Wildlife Department took the live ones and put them back in the pond. There were some pretty big fish out there."

Adylynn Richey, a fourth-grader from Oktaha, reeled in the biggest fish when she was able to hook a 19-inch catfish.

"Last year, we had a kid latch on to a 25-inch catfish," Hayes said. "He was out here again this year."

Young said not everyone caught a fish.

"The whole point for kids to spend some quality time with a parent or both."