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by Kate Van Druff
GILBERTSVILLE, PA - Get ready to cast your lines and make some unforgettable memories at the New Hanover Township Fishing Derby! This beloved community tradition returns to Hickory Park on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., promising a morning filled with friendly competition, exciting catches, and plenty of fish tales to share. The Fishing Derby is located at 2140 Big Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 and the rain date, if needed, is Sunday, May 4.
Thanks to the generosity of Stony Creek Anglers, the creek will be well-stocked with brook trout, rainbow trout, and palomino trout, ensuring plenty of action for all participants. So grab your fishing poles, bring your best bait, and get ready to hook some fun!
Continuing tradition, the Stony Creek Anglers have raised the trout being donated for this kids’ event. Each year, they raise about 9,600 trout!
“New Hanover Township is deeply grateful for this generous donation and heartfelt partnership over the years,” said Kate Van Druff, Recreation & Communications Coordinator for the township. “Stony Creek Anglers and their volunteers make this event special for the kids by stocking the creek and showing up for the event to measure fish and assisting the kids with tackle, like hooks and bobbers. We really enjoy making our fishing derby a memorable experience for the community.”
Young anglers age 15 and under will have the chance to test their skills and reel in prizes for First Fish, the Biggest Catch, Smallest Catch, and the Most Fish.
“New Hanover Township’s Fishing Derby is one of the best ones out there,” says Charles Wood, Recording and Membership Secretary of the Stony Creek Anglers, and the former president of 25 years for the group. “One of the reasons I wanted to be there is the number of adults and children who come out to enjoy the day. I look forward to all the kids coming up with their fish, watching their faces. It’s just great.”
Please pre-register by April 24, 2025 for planning purposes. Simply print and complete the registration form and mail it, email it to Kvandruff@newhanover-pa.org, or drop it off at the New Hanover Township Municipal Building (2943 North Charlotte Street, Gilbertsville, PA 19525).
Registration form: https://newhanover-pa.org/Fishing%20Derby%20Registration%20Form.pdf
Running alongside the Fishing Derby is a pet adoption event, Paws & Pizza, hosted by the Boyertown Middle School East Animal Friends Club. This event runs on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Hickory Park, and will feature adoptable pets from select local animal rescues, including Mostly Muttz Rescue, 3 Husketeers Rescue, and The Kitty Salvation.
Other upcoming events in New Hanover Township include Touch a Truck (June 7, 2025), Fall Frolic (September 20, 2025), the Halloween Haunt (October 25, 2025), and Pictures with Santa (December 6, 2025).
About New Hanover Township:
For more information about New Hanover Township, visit: https://newhanover-pa.org/.
For a regularly updated calendar of events in New Hanover Township, visit https://newhanover-pa.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/departments/events.php.
Resources:
Stony Creek Anglers
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/StonyCreekAnglers
Contact:
Kate Van Druff
Recreation & Communications Coordinator
New Hanover Township
Phone: 610-529-1514
Kvandruff@newhanover-pa.org
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