DERBY 25

FWCFC 25th ANNUAL FISHING DERBY

Please join us in celebrating DERBY 25 of the FWCFC Annual Fishing Derby!! This years Fishing Derby emphasizes a significant milestone marking a quarter century of the clubs community service within the city of Fort Wayne. As the Derby years have gone by some of the original fishing tales may have faded, but the impact and memories created for the youth at each event will be cherished for a lifetime. Children, senior citizens and like minded community members/ anglers are encouraged to come out and enjoy the five F’s (fishing, fun, family, food, and friendship) for DERBY 25.  Children 17 and under can fish, eat lunch for free, and win prizes for the biggest fish. Donations are appreciated from adults. Come out and celebrate DERBY 25 this year on June 8th, 2024 between 8:00am- 4:00pm

CATCH OF THE DAY

Prizes are given to boys and girls for catching the biggest fish.  The boy catching the biggest fish will receive the Ivan Lebamoff’s Catch of the Day Award. This award honors the former mayor of Fort Wayne, after whom the park is named.  He was a staunch advocate for the South Side community and his son, Jordan Lebamoff, is currently one of our biggest supporters.

The girl catching the biggest fish will receive Lilly Mae’s Catch of the Day award.  Lilly Mae was the daughter of one of our members Wesley Mowen, who joined us through the Geyer Middle School fishing club and continued to affiliate with us as an adult. Lilly Mae passed away at two years of age.  The FWCFC decided to honor her during Derby 20 by naming the first prize for girls after her.  Second and third place finishers also receive prizes.

BEAMAN’S BACKYARD BASS CONTEST

Beaman’s Backyard Bass Competition is a game where kids can test their skill and accuracy in casting and identifying fish.  James Beaman was a supporter of FWCFC.  When he died his family asked that monetary gifts given in his memory come to us.  We decided to name the annual Backyard Bass CompetItion in his honor.

FOOD

As always, a free lunch will be served to children.  Adults can purchase lunch for a nominal price but kids under the age 17 eat free.

FAMILIES

We usually get over 300 children and families at each derby.  We hope to increase that number each this year.  Come out and join us and invite other family members and friends.

WANT TO HELP?
We’re always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help us make this a memorable occasion. If you would like to volunteer, please click here or call 260-433-4974 to start the process. Due to the fact that you will be around children, we will have to run a background check on you.er, click here or call 260-433-4974 to start the process.

We welcome sponsors.  If you want to sponsor part of The Fishing Derby , click here or call 260-433-4974 to start the process.  Here’s a short list of what we need help with.

  • Stocking fish in the pond – we put the fish in the day of the derby.
  • Ivan Lebamoff’s Catch of the Day (1st prize boys)
  • Lilly Mae’s Catch of the Day (1st prize girls)
  • 2nd and 3rd place prizes boys and girls for biggest fish
  • Beamon’s Backyard Bass Contest (participation prizes for the children)
  • Food (hot dogs, buns, chips, fruit, healthy snack options)
  • Drinks (water, juice boxes; healthy options for children)
  • Media sponsor
  • Derby tee shirts

To contact us for more information click here or call 260-433-4794.