By Quinn O’Hara

Photo by Quinn O’Hara

The upcoming State Farm Fishing Derby will soon be bringing youth back to the Clay Center Utility Park’s Kiddie Pond for the fifth year in a row.

On the morning of May 18, kids aged 17 and younger are encouraged to bring their fishing poles and hooks to compete for various prizes within the two age brackets.

The event’s creator, Clay Center State Farm Agent David Borgerding, said he organized the derby after noticing a lack of fishing themed activities in the small town.

The Derby will start at 10 am and will last for about two hours. Prizes will include fishing tackle, poles, and other cool gear to encourage participants to fish more often. Borgerding said the Derby has around 50 participants each year, but the size of the pond is usually big enough for everyone to have a spot.

Borgerding said the goal of the event is to encourage a love of fishing and the outdoors within the community’s youth.