The Wayland Youth Fishing Derby 2018 was held on Saturday, April 28. Many of the town’s enthusiastic fishing families came out to take part in this annual event. Some participants even showed up early to stake out a prime spot on a warm and sunny morning. For 20 years, the annual derby has been organized and sponsored by the local company, Carpentry by Tom Antonellis. It was once sponsored by the Wayland Kiwanis Club but they disbanded in the 90’s and Antonellis made a personal pledge this fun event would continue for Wayland families. The Derby supports a charity or non-profit in the community each year, hoping to encourage the community to give back while having a fun time. For the last few years, the concession and adult raffle proceeds from the event raised money and awareness on behalf of The Vernon Cancer Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital. The Vernon Cancer Center was selected as it is close to the heart of the Antonellis family who has seen firsthand; through the care of family members and friends, how the center provides high-quality medical treatment and much needed support services to patients and families.
NWH representative Amy Hurley and Dr Larry Blaszkowsky were on hand to answer questions and share information about the Vernon Center’s programs. Each year, Mill Pond in Wayland is stocked with trout a few days before the Derby. This provides continued seasonal fishing at the pond but more importantly makes Derby day extra exciting. Children are invited to bring their own gear to try to catch that special winning fish. It is not just the young participants who are excited, but so are the parents proudly watching the kids bring their catch to get measured by volunteers like Dave Antonellis or have their picture taken by photographer Anna Meliones. Volunteers have been an important part of the Derby’s success because not only do they measure and take special photo memories each year but they run the concessions, prize and raffle tables. For two hours, young anglers cast their lines into Mill Pond for the fun of fishing and also hoping to win a prize. As in years past, categories included prizes for largest and smallest fish of the day, and first fish in each age group. Saving accounts, pizzas and lots of fishing gear was given this year as prizes. Throughout the morning, the kids (and their families) enjoyed donated yummy goodies. Chick-fil-A of Framingham sent their famous Mr. Cow to the Derby with breakfast sandwiches and coupons. All children were invited to stop by the special prize table to get their free prize. As in past years, all adults had opportunities to win fantastic gift certificate bundles to things like; manicures, reflexology, and restaurants in a fundraising raffle. Some other special raffle items this year were a Family Membership to Patriots Hall, a gift certificate from Pure Solutions and a Massachusetts Statehouse tour with Senator Ross. All the donations to the raffle and concession tables from people at the Derby resulted in a fantastic total in excess of $3000 to the Vernon Cancer Center! At the end of the morning, the members of the Weston Wayland Rotary Club gave out free trees for children to take home. This memorable event would not be possible without the volunteers who come and spend their Saturday morning helping each Wayland fishing family have the best time possible! They are the ones who come early to set up, give out food and prizes, keep everyone informed, dance around in a bobber costume and clean up when it’s done. See you next year! For more information and photos please see www.waylandfishingderby.com and don’t forget to like us on Facebook.
A gallery of photos from the event is online here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/oICh0hnwo6Jqu7el1
The 2018 Wayland Youth Fishing Derby was made possible with the help and generous support of these local businesses and individuals who donated thousands of dollars in goods and services:
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Middlesex Savings Bank /Wayland
The Village Bank / Wayland
Chick-Fil-A
Wayland Variety And Deli
Panera Breads
Starbucks Coffee / Wayland
Rob Sullivan Studios
Metropolitan Cabinet & Counter Top
Shep’s Gas
Kirby Brothers Painting
The Villa Restaurant
Femiluxe Nails Bar
The Local
Dovercraft Contruction
Mel’s Commonwealth Café
Wayland Travel
Salon D’elegance
Bertucci’s
Lavins Liquors
B. L. Ogilvie & Son / Weston
Natick Outdoor Store
Jenna Carroll/ The Carroll Group
Donelan’s Supermarkets
National Amusements
Harvey Building Products
Wayland Recreation
Tri County Rvths
Gem Cleaners
Wayland Police
Mass Wildlife
Senator Richard Ross
Eagle Claw Fish Hooks
Wayland Dpw
Fluorolite Plastic
Dermatology Partners / Dr. Melissa Burnett
Wayland Cleaners
Peterson Remodeling
Custom Contracting, Inc.
Somerby’s Hair Salon
Pepper And Spice
Moodz Spa
Happy Feet Reflexology
Liberty Pizza
Christopher Woodley Co
Russell’s Garden Center
Dunkin Donuts
Stop & Shop
Karma Coffe
Frank Cannavino Plumbing
Blue Culture Aquaculture
Family Legal Partners
Laurie & Dave Antonellis
Nance Marshall
Tom Cavanaugh
Failla And Defrancesco Family Dentistry
Wayland & Weston Coldwell Banker Reality
Pure Solutions
Joanne Berry- Coldwell Banker
Weston / Wayland Rotary Club
Holly Veum
Anna Meliones Photography
