After months of planning and hard work, it was a day filled with fantastic fishing, smiling faces, jumping trout and memories to last a lifetime as Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery celebrated National Fishing and Boating Week with the 22nd Annual Catch a Rainbow Kids Fishing Derby.

The event, which began in 1986, has blossomed into one of the largest events of its kind in the country, and as in past years, volunteers and staff were excited for this annual day of food, fun and of course fishing.  Total attendance for this year’s event was over 4,000 people, including 1,650 kids.

With plenty to see and do, the event is designed as a fun-filled way to get kids ages 1 through 15 outdoors and connected to fishing, and this year’s program included something for everyone.

Along with the fishing, several booths and activities were provided for participants’ enjoyment, including a boat simulator provided by FLW Outdoors and archery sports through the local Ducks Unlimited chapter.

Everyone also enjoyed all the hotdogs, sodas, bottled water, cotton candy and popcorn they could eat, and each child was given a goodie bag full of treats.

Along with lots of good food and fun, each derby participant 5 and up also had their choice of one of the following: rod & reel, tackle box, sleeping bag or tent while those ages 1 through 4 enjoyed their own special prizes at the kiddie pool area.

As in past years, the annual derby event was made possible through the generous support and contributions of many local, regional and national sponsors and businesses.

For 2008, 20 major sponsors donated at least $1,000 in donations (either cash or items) while countless other organizations gave of their time and/or resources.

The event also included the participation of over 130 volunteers as well, making it a true example of the positive benefits of partnering.

Through such teamwork, an event with a value of $41,203.26 occurred with little or cost to any one agency as donations for the event totaled at $40,590.50.