Fishing Derby a huge Success

Derby winners Ryan Adams (10-15), Kyle Willet (5-9) & Anna Rose Wilson (under 5)

The City of Overland and the Overland Business Association held a Kids Fishing Derby on June 9th at Wild Acres Park. 180 Children participated which shattered last years attendance of around 65 kids. A host of local businesses and personalities sponsored the event including: CarStar, Edward Jones (on Lackland), the City of Overland, Councilperson Mike Schneider, Young Auto, North Central Hobbies, B.J. Peerless Restaurant Supply, Cabela's, City Clerk Linda Downs, Major Trophy (on Page), and the Overland Business Association.

There were 3 age categories: Under 5, 5-10 years old and 10-15. A winner for each age group was determined by the total weight of fish caught (measured on a fantastic digital scale donated by B.J. Peerless). In the under 5 category Anna Rose Wilson caught a total of 4lbs, 1 1/4 oz winning the under 5 category. She was awarded a 1st place trophy (donated by Major Trophy), A fishing rod/real combo (donated in part by Cabela's at the Mills), and a $25 Dollar gift certificate to Target (donated by City Clerk Linda Downs). The winner of the 5 - 10 age group was Kyle Willett with a total catch of 8lbs, 3 1/4 oz which was also the largest catch of the day in any age group. In the 10-15 age group Ryan Adams won the day with a total catch of 7lbs 11 1/2 oz. The winners of both the 5-10 and the 10-15 age groups were awarded a 1st place trophy (donated by Major Trophy), A fishing rod/real combo (donated in part by Cabela's at the Mills) and a Mountain bike (donated by the Overland Police D.A.R.E. program).

The kids had a beautiful day at the lake for the Derby

The weather was fantastic all day, which was great considering all of the events that were happening in Overland on Saturday. Adding to the beauty of the day was oldies music heard all over the park. At the Seminary property a local 4 man band called the Melody Men were playing for both Discover Overland and the Kid's fishing derby. In the interest of full disclosure, I need to mention that My Father-in-law and brother-in-law are both in this group (and I've known the other 2 members for a few years as well) so as you might have guessed I think they're great! You can check them out for yourself:

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There were far too many people involved in bringing this event together to name all of them. Chuck Boone, Chief Herron, David Sippe and Mary Anderson from Edward Jones on Lackland and Bill Egsieker from North Central Hobbies all spearheaded this event with critical support on Saturday from Linda Downs, Councilman Schneider, Tom Eckert, Jackie Chandler and former Mayor Bob Dody who handled the BBQ. This was a flawless effort made possible by the City of Overland, the Overland Business Association and Overland Residents all working together perfectly.

Hopefully this is a example of what we can expect in the future, that being the three "C"s, Communication, Cooperation and Citizen Involvement. When we get to where this level of teamwork is an expected, everyday occurrence I believe we'll find we can get anywhere.