Wakefield Rotary Sponsors Free Father’s Day Fishing Derby

The Wakefield Rotary Club will be again sponsoring the Father’s Day Fishing Tournament at Lake Quannapowitt. The fun-filled morning is free and open to all ages on Sunday, June 16th. Wakefield Rotary Past President Gene Mullen announced, “Anglers, mark your calendars and prepare your tackle boxes! The much-anticipated Fathers Day Friends and Family Fishing Derby is back, promising a morning filled with fun, excitement and of course, plenty of fish tales.”

Registration will be held on Veteran’s Field on North Avenue from 8:30am-10:00am. Registration is required to compete, and bait will be provided while supplies last. The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game will also provide a limited amount loaner fishing rods upon request. The derby competition will be open from 8:30am-11:00am. Trophies will be provided for largest fish by category at the 11am ceremony for youth up to age 15.

"We are thrilled to welcome anglers back to the Fishing Derby," said Mullen. "This event celebrates our community's love for fishing and the importance of preserving our natural resources. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, there's something for everyone at the Derby."

The Wakefield Rotary Fishing Derby is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, including Boats & Motors on North Ave and the Wakefield DPW. Their contributions help ensure that this event remains a highlight of Wakefield’s calendar year after year.

In addition to the fishing derby, the club will have resources on environmental sustainability, an area of focus for Rotary International. Wakefield Rotary respects the nature and beauty of our natural resources and we encourage all participants to fish responsibly. Mullen noted, “We strongly support catch and release and ask that all participants use good judgement in deciding if your fish is of competitive size or should be released immediately.”

Questions can be directed to the Wakefield Rotary Club at [email protected].

Rotary and The Environment

In 2017, Rotary International President Ian Riseley added “supporting the environment” to its 7 Areas of Focus. Previously, Rotary’s 6 Areas of Focus aimed at humanitarian efforts alone. That year, Risely challenged Rotarians to plant one new tree for each Rotarian in the club. The challenge was intended to combat global warming and beautify local communities. That year, Australian native Riseley explained, “Environmental degradation and global climate change are serious threats to everyone. They are having a disproportionate impact on those who are most vulnerable, those to whom Rotary has the greatest responsibility. Yet environmental issues rarely register on the Rotary agenda.” He added, “I was keen to give Rotarians an incentive and the opportunity to show their concern for the environment.” In 2023, Wakefield Rotary provided residents with no cost No Mow May lawn signs in hopes of protecting pollinators.

About Rotary International & Wakefield Rotary Club

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotarians in 160 countries worldwide. The first Rotary Club was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1905 by an attorney named Paul Harris and several of his colleagues. The name “Rotary” was derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among each of the members’ offices. The Rotary motto is “Service above self”. The Wakefield Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at noon at Brightview on Crescent Street. For more information on the club's initiatives or to join the Wakefield Rotary Club, visit www.wakefieldrotaryclub.org or contact us at [email protected].