Weekend water warriors who love to cast a line can turn their hobby into cash and prizes once again this year in the annual Essa Riverbank Salmon Derby.
In 2003, the Economic Development Committee of the Township of Essa held the first Salmon Derby along the banks of the Nottawasaga River. Sept. 20 and 21, the eighth annual derby will see anglers from all over Ontario fishing at the Nottawasaga and the Don Ross Fishing Park.
This popular event, along with the Access Fishing Passes, has raised thousands of dollars to help the environment and improve the fishing parks.
First prize in the derby for the person who lands the longest salmon is $3,000 cash donated by Essa Development Inc. Second prize is $500 cash for the second longest salmon donated by Scotiabank (Angus) and third prize is $250 cash for a total accumulated length of four salmon in a “Catch and Release” category donated by Munro Concrete Products, Inc.
For the first time, the top prizes in the raffle will be a 420cc Honda ATV donated by Devonleigh Homes Inc. and Sarjeants Co. Ltd. and supplied by Mission Cycle in Angus.
This ATV is replacing the boat given away the last five years. Second prize is $500 cash donated by Scotiabank (Angus) and third prize is a weekend getaway golf package donated by Nottawasaga Inn Resort.
TD Canada Trust (Angus) in partnership with the Economic Development Committee for the second year has donated $2,000 which will be combined with the derby's $2,000 to put towards an environment project. Last year, money went towards purchasing trees to be planted along the Nottawasaga River this fall.
New this year is a Go Fish game to give everyone a chance at winning if they don't catch the big one. Every fish caught will be recorded by marshals from the Nottawasaga Steelheaders and given a playing card. At the end of the derby, the best poker hand will win a “Fisherman's Fun Package” which includes two Access Passes with entry into the 2009 Salmon Derby. This prize is donated by the Essa Economic Development Committee.
The Nottawasaga Steelheaders will run their famous Annual Rubber Fish Derby between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
New this year, will be entertainment supplied by Keith White of the Borden Angus Music Store. Some of his local students will perform for participant's enjoyment between 1:30 and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon before the closing ceremonies.
If you are not a fisherman, come out anyway and enjoy the fresh air, the food from two barbecues and the entertainment and to see if this year's “Big One” is longer than Roger Daoust's (Angus) 2007 winning fish at 84.5 cm.
For more information about the derby or to register, visit the website: www.essasalmonfest.com.
