Trout Derby Returns this Weekend
Kittanning Hose Company #1 Fire Chief Gene Stephens discussed the Kittanning Trout Derby during a segment on last night’s “Talk of the Town” on Family-Life TV.
by Jonathan Weaver
Temperatures will nearly crack 80 degrees this weekend during the second Kittanning Trout Derby.
Begun by Kittanning Hose Company #1 firefighters last year, the event will continue along the banks of Cowanshannock Creek May 2 and 3.
Fire Chief Gene Stephens has been a fisherman since he was five years old, and even though he won’t be able to participate this weekend, looked forward to the outing to raise money for the fire department.
“Last year was a great success, and this year is starting out to be even bigger and better,” Stephens said. “Last year, I had 586 tagged trout – this year, I have 625. I had prize money around $15,000 – this year, I’m pushing $17,000.”
Registered fisherman can win from $20 to $500 per trout. Trout received from Green Springs Hatchery in Newville (Cumberland County) will be stocked during registration hours.
While already receiving nearly $12,000 in state fire grants earlier this year, firefighters doubled that amount and purchased eight sets of turn-out gear. Proceeds from the trout derby will also help replace used fire boots and gear that are up to 15 years old.
Chief Stephens hopes to purchase new gear every two years.
Even though 130 people have pre-registered, registration for adults and children is still available from 3-9PM Friday at Ingram’s Ball Field, located on Troy Hill Road, or at the South Jefferson Street fire station. Adults 16-years or older can register for $20, whereas teenagers or children can register for $15.
Chief Stephens hopes to attract more than 500 fisherman.
More than 120 community businesses and residents are helping sponsor the event – where Stephens said all the prize money comes from.
“The fire department kicked in $2,000 from last year’s revenue to make it bigger and better, but this event would not happen unless we had the sponsorships from the community,” Stephens said. “I can’t thank them enough.”
Fishing begins Saturday and Sunday at 6AM.
Local News | jweaver April 29, 2015
