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Organizers gear up for 35th annual Catfish Derby; event takes place May 17 to 20
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The 35th annual Catfish Derby Committee anticipates another record year.
“With entries coming in fast and furious, this year’s event promises to be another memorable Derby,” said Derby Committee Chairman Dennis Locke. “Pre-entries continue to arrive, at about the same pace as last year, a good indicator of a record turn out.”
The Derby starts on Thursday, May 17, and concludes on Sunday, May 20.
Derby headquarters is the Northshore Fire Protection District station at 12655 E. Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks.
The schedule is unchanged from prior years. Registration and check-in begins at noon on Thursday, fishing starts at noon on Friday and ends at noon on Sunday. The awards ceremony kicks off at 1 p.m.
The Northshore Firefighters Association will host breakfast and a barbecue lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
An important news item this year is the sidewalk construction project in Clearlake Oaks.
Lane restriction and traffic control will be in effect and parking along Highway 20 in the construction area will not be allowed. Parking at the fire station will be limited to fish weigh-ins.
“We’ve been working closely with county officials and local derby supporters to make sure our participants, their families and visitors know where to park. Our committee has been hard at work on alternative parking and other details, so as to minimize inconvenience,” said Locke. “Each participant will be issued a parking plan upon registration. Traffic controllers will also direct folks to the designated parking areas.”
Participants compete for cash and merchandise awards totaling $10,000. Last year, more than 1,000 visitors converged on the Oaks, filling up hotels, campgrounds and other lodging places throughout the county. More than 60 percent of the entries were from outside Lake County – as far away as Florida in the east and Hawaii in the west.
“We look forward to welcoming regulars as well as new participants,” said Locke. “Everyone is welcome to drop in to visit and pick up a derby t-shirt, hat or travel mug. And don’t forget, there are separate divisions for two kids age groups. It’s a family affair!”
Weather conditions for next week and through the derby weekend are favorable. Leaderboard updates will be available during the derby at www.clearlakeoaks.org/derbystandings, on Twitter, @clogba or at the Derby hotline, 707-596-0248.