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The fish were really jumping for derby
Sunny skies and a well-stocked lake were the hallmarks of the annual Trout Derby at Birchwood Lake in Mountain Lakes on Saturday, April 12. The winner, 4-year-old Luke Hayward, netted the biggest catch of the day - a 16 1/4-inch fish - and received a trophy nearly as big as he is.
The event is sponsored by the Trout Derby Committee, Mountain Lakes Recreation and The Mountain Lakes Police Department. The Police Department furnishes the prizes for the derby.
The festivities began with the trout stocking on Friday, April 11. More than 175 youngsters used buckets to scoop the fish from the delivery tanker and stock the lake. On Derby Day, more than 100 children aged 12 and under, competed for prizes which included a kayak for the first place winner.
The Trout Derby Committee, the Police Department, the Volunteer Fire Department and the Department of Public Works joined to make the event another Mountain Lakes memory.
Photo courtesy of Denise Brennan
Photo 1: Wildwood fifth-grader Lauren Atkins came in second place during the annual Trout Derby at Birchwood Lake in Mountain Lakes by catching a 16 1/8-inch trout. She is shown with Police Officer Gil Benitez.
Photo 2: Mayor George Jackson presents 4-year-old Luke Hayward with the winner's trophy. Luke took first place by catching a 16 1/4-inch trout in the derby.
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