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East Longmeadow Lions Club hosts annual fishing derby

by Sarah Heinonen | Apr 23, 2025 | East Longmeadow, Hampden County, Local News, Photo Slider

Even Miss Western Massachusetts Teen got into the fun and kissed a fish.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen

EAST LONGMEADOW — About 200 families woke up bright and early on April 19, put on rain boots and grabbed their tackle boxes for the East Longmeadow Lions Club Fishing Derby at Heritage Park. The derby awards prizes for first, second and third place in each age category, up to age 14. Worms were donated by Rent-A-Tent and the Massachusetts State Police brought one of its search and rescue boats for children to take a picture with.

Cillian Lynch sat in a camping chair and waited patiently for a bite.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Some families staked out their spots along the edge of the park’s pond and began fishing at least an hour before the derby began at 7 a.m.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Young Jack Kelley, fishing with Scott Whelihan, excitedly pointed when he spotted a fish.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
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