Editor:

The Exchange Club of Richmond Hill would like to thank Ross Blair and the Bryan County News for helping to get the word out about our Seventeenth Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby, which was held on Saturday, June 9 at the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery. The derby was originally scheduled for June 2, but had to be rescheduled for June 9, due to heavy rain on June 2. Thanks to our local media in helping get the word out about the new date, we had about 260 area kids to participate, plus an equal number of parents, grandparents, and others attending as well. The derby is open to children ages 15 and under, accompanied by their parents or adult guardian, with awards being presented to children 12 and under.

Over the past 17 years, over 3,500 children have participated. The fishing derby takes place at three Fish Hatchery ponds that are stocked with catfish and bream. There is never any charge for anyone participating in this event. The Exchange Club wishes to thank the staff of the local Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery for their assistance over the past seventeen years, as well as the use of their wonderful facilities. The Bryan Bank and Trust has provided the savings bond awards for the past seventeen years as well, and their help is greatly appreciated in helping to make the event a continuing success. Thousands of kids and their families have enjoyed this event over the years, and we look forward to continuing the derby for many years to come.

Winners in the various categories will be recognized at our Fishing Derby Awards Banquet Meeting at noon on July 11, 2007. Those categories include First Fish Caught, Most Total Pounds (limit of 10 catfish), and Heaviest Fish. $50 Savings Bonds and/or trophies will be awarded for the various categories based on age, 7 to 12, and 6 and under. The savings bonds awarded will be donated by Bryan Bank and Trust, and the trophies will be donated by the Exchange Club of Richmond Hill. In addition to these awards, there were also door-prizes provided by the DNR and Exchange Club given away during the derby.

Please mark your calendars for June 7, 2008, for The Exchange Club of Richmond Hill’s Eighteenth Annual Fishing Derby. We hope to see everyone there.