MILFORD, PA ― More than 200 Pike County children came out to compete for the largest catch at the 28th annual Pike County Commissioners Fishing Derby for children under age 15, held on April 18 at Lily Pond.

This year, there was a tie for the overall longest trout of the day. Alaska Hicks, competing in the 5 & Under division, and Levi Ligenzowski, from the 6 & 7 Year division, each caught a trout measuring 16-and-one-half inches. As the overall largest-catch winners, they both took home a brand new fishing pole from Luhrs True Value Hardware, a tackle box courtesy of Kost Tire and Auto, and a “swag” bag provided by Blue Ridge Communications.

First- through third-place winners in each age division were also awarded new fishing poles. 

All derby participants were entered into a raffle drawing, in which two winners received a gift certificate donated by Woodloch Pines, one for midweek golf for a party of four, and one for a spa day for a party of four. 

The Pike Commissioners thanked all participants and congratulated the winners.

“The commissioners extend their sincere gratitude to the sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event a success, including Lorraine Lombardo, fishing derby coordinator; the Pike County Maintenance Staff; and Northwell Health for its $5,000 donation to stock Lily Pond with trout for the event.

The complete list of sponsors includes Austin Prey Memorial Fund, Blooming Grove Hunting & Fishing Club, Blue Ridge Communications, Charles W. Grimm Construction, Helms Service Station, Kost Tire and Auto, the Lemon family, LJ Bogumil Inc., Luhrs True Value Hardware, Matamoras Rod & Gun Club, the McGrath family, Morgan Site Contractor, Northwell Health, Pike/Wayne Association of Realtors, Pike County Outfitters, Pocono Interiors, Rohrer Bus Service, Van Gorders’ Furniture and Woodloch Pines.

Volunteers included the Friends of Warrior Football, James Leiser, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the Pike County Maintenance Staff.

In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, America250PA attended the children’s fishing derby with its Countdown to 250 Mobile Experience Unit, “powered by Penske and produced in partnership with Visit Pennsylvania—The Great American Getaway,” the commissioners’ office said. Families participated in the interactive exhibits, tested their Pennsylvania knowledge, and picked up free giveaways.

In addition to contributing $5,000 to fund the stocking of Lily Pond, Northwell Health attended the derby to engage with community members and share information on their new immediate care centers.