$1,000,000 WORTH OF PRIZES AND MANY YEARS LATER!
In 1978, Calhoun Sportswear organised the Catfish Derby as a tribute to the "Year of the Child" . This FREE fishing derby for children 2-14 years, and was so well attended, that it was decided that we would host this event each year on the first Saturday of every June. The first year 500 kids participated. Twenty years later, 3000+ kids and 3000 parents attend! Throughout the years, a Grand weigh-in day of family activities takes place on the parking lot of the Calhoun Sportswear Factory, in St. Catharines. Prizes are awarded in 21 major categories, but every single entrant receives a packet of goodies and an official Catfish Derby T-shirt.
Many community representatives have served as M.C.'s including the Mayor and other Provincial politicians, as well as media personalities, and our area school principals. Young fishing enthusiasts bring their best catch to the weigh-in station where their name and school is announced to the viewers. Often they are interviewed about their experience. Young faces gleam with pride as fishing tales are compared. The Catfish Derby has become a regional tradition, providing a FREE outing, which may be a new family experience. One area Mom, when thinking back over the childhood of her now grown children, expressed, "The Catfish Derby is documented in our family album, as it became a yearly tradition."
This famous day would not be possible without the support of over 80 Corporate sponsors, charitable organizations, and a host of volunteers who plan and produce the day. Calhoun Sportswear flourishes because of the people of the Niagara Peninsula, and is very proud to sponsor this community event.