Attendees line the pond at Heritage Park during the 2025 East Longmeadow Lions Club Fishing Derby.
Reminder Publishing file photo
EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Lions Club is once again casting its line into a beloved community tradition, inviting families to gather for a morning of fishing, fun, and connection at its annual youth fishing derby on April 25.
For organizer Bob Adams, the event is as much about preserving local history as it is about creating new memories.
“Originally, the East Longmeadow Jaycees ran the fishing derby for about 55 years,” Adams explained. “When the Jaycees disbanded, the derby didn’t take place for several years until the Lions Club was asked to bring it back in 2019. This is our seventh annual event. Each year it has grown through the support of our sponsors and community participation.”
That growth is evident not only in attendance but also in community involvement. This year’s derby will feature support from local law enforcement and a wide range of area businesses. “This year we will have representatives from the Massachusetts State Police and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department supporting the event,” Adams said. “Businesses in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Springfield and Somers, Ct. have donated to the participants’ gift bags. This is a free event for the public.”
Young anglers can expect a lively and well-organized morning. “Registration runs from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., poles in the water at 7 a.m., and the derby ends at 10:30 a.m.,” Adams said. “As the participants catch fish, they bring the fish to a weigh station to get it recorded. It’s a lot of fun and a lot of excitement.” Coffee and donuts will be available while supplies last, and prizes will be awarded around 11 a.m., alongside an ongoing raffle.
The derby is open to children ages three to 14, with structured age groups ensuring fair competition. “We award first, second, and third place trophies and prizes through four age groups for total fish weight caught,” Adams noted. “We also have trophies and prizes for the biggest and smallest fish.”
Beyond competition, every participant has a chance to win. “One of our sponsors CMD Technologies has made a donation which has allowed for a number of prizes to be given away randomly,” Adams added. “Every participant can also get a picture taken with our selfie banner as a memory.”
Behind the scenes, the event requires months of preparation. “Planning for this derby starts the day after the derby,” Adams said. “We learn from each year to improve the derby and grow participation.” This year, organizers have stocked the pond with approximately 700 fish through hatchery donations, along with an additional $2,000 worth purchased by the club.
The derby also reflects the Lions Club’s broader mission of service. Founded in 1943, the organization supports initiatives ranging from assisting the visually impaired to hosting community celebrations. “Lions Club International differs from most charities as all our administrative expenses are paid solely through members dues,” Adams emphasized. “Meaning 100% of funds donated go directly to our charities and community activities.”
As the club looks ahead, it is also rallying support for a major new project: replacing the town’s longtime holiday tree. “Our project, with the support of the community, ensures the continuation of the holiday tree lighting,” Adams said.
For now, however, the focus is on April 25. Adams offers simple advice for newcomers: “Be ready to have some fun fishing with your family!”
