Mike Szigety, from 100 Mile House, was awarded the $500 first prize at the 27th Annual Watch Lake/Green Lake Fishing Derby on June 7-8.
It was an exciting finish to the weekend and a close call as Szigety weighed in with his 3 lb. 9 3/4 oz. catch at exactly 2 p.m. - the cutoff time for all entries.
The second largest fish was caught by Scott Downie of Chilliwack on Saturday and weighed 2 lb. 13 1/4 oz.
The first fish caught on Saturday was entered at 5:47 a.m. by Jim Ferris and the last entry on Saturday was at 9 p.m. by Carl Johnson.
The first fish entered on Sunday was by Pat Dunn at 6:02 a.m. and the last entry was Szigety's.
All fish were caught on Watch Lake. There were 207 participants this year, 181 adults and 26 children.
The oldest fisher was 83-year-old Eileen Christiansen and the youngest was Madison Wright, who turned three on Sunday at the derby. The participant who travelled the farthest was Martin Nichols, visiting from England.
The derby was very well supported by the members of the community again this year, making it another huge success. The hard work of the many volunteers was greatly appreciated.
Season wrap-up
The last meeting of the season for the Watch Lake/North Green Lake Community Association was held on June 16 and the final meeting Watch Lake & District
Women's Institute for the season takes place today (June 18).
A big thank-you goes out to the members of these groups for their hard work and dedication to our community.
Celebrations
Members of the community wish to extend best wishes and a happy birthday to Tanya Richards on June 23 and to Brian Thatcher on June 28.
Important meeting
South Cariboo residents are invited to the Age-friendly Planning Cafe in the Valley Room behind the Red Coach Inn in 100 Mile House on June 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. The meeting is for seniors (and everyone interested in making a difference for seniors in our community) to have conversations, make connections, focus on what is important to improve quality of life living in the South Cariboo, and contribute to solutions.