On any other day at Jericho Lake, you might see them clearing invasive plant species, repairing playground equipment, or scouring shelter pavilions.
But on one specific summer Saturday every year, members of the Fox Valley Park District’s Operations team trade their toolkits for tackle boxes when the department hosts its annual Free Youth Fishing Derby at Jericho Lake, located on Jericho Road about a quarter mile west of the Jericho/Orchard Road intersection on Aurora’s far southwest side.
Set this year from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 21, the Fishing Derby is geared toward the community’s youth, whether they’re experienced anglers, just attempting their first cast, or land somewhere in between. The event is scheduled rain or shine, and no registration is required – simply show up and sign in. Limited fishing poles will be available to use, and participants are encouraged to bring their own gear, if possible; bait will be provided.
After a couple hours of fishing, staff will serve up a hotdog lunch – grilled onsite – and an awards ceremony recognizing biggest/smallest/most fish will be held before a series of raffle drawings to close out the day.
“A highlight is seeing the non-stop smiles with lots of missing teeth,” says Chris Kuehn, Derby organizer and FVPD’s manager of arboriculture, lake management and IPM. “That’s what this is all about, getting young kids excited about participating in an outdoors activity that doesn’t have to include fancy technology or charging stations. The event gets bigger every year, especially with more first-timers, including some adults!”
Help around every corner
Kuehn notes that at least one adult must accompany the young anglers and, if fishing, state law requires everyone 16 and older to possess a valid fishing license.
Wearing navy blue shirts and safety vests, around 30 members of FVPD’s Operations team will be stationed around the lake to record catches, snap pictures, assist with baiting hooks/removing fish, and general troubleshooting.
“I love seeing the kids’ faces, especially those who’ve never fished before,” says Melissa Harrison, FVPD’s assistant director of park operations who manages the check-in table at the Fishing Derby.
“When they come to check-in, they don’t always know exactly what they’re doing or where they’re going, but they’re so excited to get started. And for staff, we have so much fun. The camaraderie, being with the community and helping kids … the Derby is a highlight of the year for us.”
The Free Youth Fishing Derby is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: Dicky’s Bait Shop, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists, Terrapin Aquatics Management, Marty’s Automotive, Aurora Truck Center, Doty Nurseries, LLC, and Pessina Tree Service, LLC.
