The Brighton Optimist Club has been around for 34 years. For the last 25 years, they've conducted a free fishing derby for the area youth, aged 16 and under. It started with some Optimists, some kids and some worms. From its humble beginning with about 30 participants, it's grown to a 300-400 kid event.
The entire event is free and includes souvenir photo mock fishing licenses, bait, age group trophies, door prizes, entertainment and food. The really little ones get to try their luck at the L'il Angler booth where a clip on the end of a fishing line is dropped over a partition and they 'catch' a goodie bag full of things. The Optimists even have a large display tank where some fish swim for a few hours during the event. Big ones, little ones that are especially well colored, even the occasional turtle might find its way into the tank. They are all released at the end.
There are even some loaner rod and reels outfits available, a casting contest, and some new outside activities, too. The Howell Conference and Nature Center will be there with some raptors, Kensington Metropark's Nature Center will be on site, as will Heavner Canoe and a visit by the Brighton Area Fire Department. A block or so away, the Brighton Farmer's market will be in high gear, too.
This year the club has commissioned a children-themed work of art that ties into the Fishing Derby, and have donated it to the City of Brighton. It's been named "It's A Keeper" and it will be a year round outdoor display at the millpond, near the Imagination Station playground (which might not have been created without the Optimists' efforts). It will be installed before this year's event, but the official dedication will take place around awards time, 11:00-11:30 AM. The artist is local, Mike Monroe, and he will be present as well as City dignitaries. It should be a great day.
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