The Shelter Island Lions Club 2018 Snapper Derby seeks sponsors. The annual one-day tournament typically includes hundreds of children fishing in waters around the Island — from boats, beaches and bridges.
This year it takes place Saturday, September 1. As always, there is no cost to enter.
“Over the course of many years the Shelter Island Lions Foundation has relied on the generous donations of those who contribute to our annual Snapper Derby,” says Darrin Binder, who coordinates the event. “It is that time of year again when we are counting on your continued support.
“The monies raised by the Snapper Derby help to support those in need throughout the year in our community,” he explains in an email making its way around the community. “The funding is used to offset costs of youth activities such as camp scholarships, educational trips, and other special youth needs.
“Portions of your donation also help Islanders to make ends meet by providing assistance with fuel, electric, medical and other vital necessities,” Binder says.
What’s it all about?
The Snapper Derby has these simple rules:
- All blue fishing must take place west of Gardiner’s Island
- Kids can fish the entire day
- Participants can keep only one fish, the rest should be released
- Be honest in the catch and release competition
- Fish in clear water, if Red Tide, no fishing
Who wins?
A weigh-in and community cookout begin at 5 p.m. at the American Legion Hall. Trophies are awarded to first through fifth place finishers in three categories (15 winners):
- Biggest snapper less than one pound (16 ounces)
- Biggest bluefish
- Most caught and released
What’s more, participating children enjoy free hot dogs, soda, popcorn and cotton candy, and receive a T-shirt memorializing the event. For everyone else, food and drinks will be provided at a reasonable cost.
Participants can keep only one fish, which Lions Club chefs will cook to order before the awards ceremony. Read more at shelterislandsnapperderby.org.
Logo contest
Kids can also participate in a logo contest, with the winners having their designs appear on T-shirts for the 2019 Derby. Logo contestants can pick up a 4- by 4-foot board at Binder Pools, paint it and submit it for judging on derby day. Find out how to join the logo contest. Shown here are last year’s winners:
Snapper Derby seeks sponsors
Become a Snapper Derby sponsor with a tax deductible donation of $250 to $2,500 or more. Individuals and corporations may donate. Those who contribute before August 25 will have their names, or company’s name, listed on the back of the commemorative T-shirt.
Please make checks made payable to the Shelter Island Lions Club Foundation and send them to Binder Pools, P.O. Box 1960, Shelter Island, New York 11964. Or, you can donate online at shelterislandlions.org.
“This is an opportunity to put a smile on a child’s face while helping those in our community who are truly in need,” Binder says.
Join Lions Scallop Dinner October 7
Mark you calendars for the annual Scallop Dinner, to be held 5 p.m. Sunday, October 7 at the Pridwin Hotel. Details TBD.
