PRINCE COUNTY
Fish for fun
Over 55 fish were caught when families flocked to cast their lines into the Alysha Toombs Memorial Park pond in Kensington during the annual fishing derby.
Families flocked to cast their lines into the quiet Alysha Toombs Memorial Park pond in Kensington, for the annual fishing derby Saturday morning. “We put 500 fish into the pond last fall, and we have more than 70 kids registered this morning,” commented Kensington Police Chief Lewie Sutherland, who spearheads the two-day fishing derby. “It’s a great opportunity for us (police) to get to know the kids and their families – we love it,” continued Sutherland. “We have people from all over the Island today fishing.” Youngsters got to see police in different shoes, as many officers threw on their fishing gear. The fun-filled event gives police, kids and families an opportunity to interact in a different way. Quinn Banfield, aged 8, joined in the fun with other members of the Summerside Jiu Jitsu Club. “I’ve caught three fish so far and I’m really enjoying it,” he announced, with a smile as he released a fish back into the pond. “I’ve been fishing before in Newfoundland,” he noted. Brook trout is the most common type of fish that habitats the pond. “They typically range from two to 16 inches in length,” said Sutherland. Other than catch fish, a free barbecue and prizes were on offer. “It costs quite a lot to put the event on, and we have around $1,000 of fishing rods to give away, plus barbecues, and prizes. All the money comes from donations, and even the fish are donated by the province,” explained Sutherland. More than 55 fish were caught by youngsters Saturday morning. “I want to thank all my sponsors that help every year because we can’t do this without them,” concluded Sutherland. The department’s next event will be the annual Kensington Police Service Bike Rodeo on Saturday, June 16, at the Community Gardens Complex in Kensington. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. The fun-filled family event will give participating youth the chance to win a bicycle.