Photo by Emily HansonA group of children participating in the Sons of the American Legion’s annual kids’ fishing derby. Shown from left to right are: Jamie Wilson, 7, Kali Long, 8, Cassidy Caddy, 7, Andrew Ramsey, 9, Jake Wilson, 9, Andrik Fry, 10, Al

AENEAS VALLEY – There was quite a lot of catching going on at Round Lake on Saturday, June 20; catching of fish that is.

The Ninth Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby, hosted by the Sons of the American Legion was from 9 a.m. to noon for kids up to age 14.

“Part of the mission of the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion is to do community work,” Bob Bergh, commander of the Sons of the American Legion, said. “It’s basically a veteran’s organization but we want to benefit the community.”

One way the organizations benefit the community is by hosting the kids’ fishing derby every year, during which cash prizes are given out for the first fish caught, the smallest and largest fish caught and the most fish caught. This year, Scott Kuntz won the $10 prize for catching the first fish of the day. Bonnie Siegfried won $50 for catching a 2.5 pound fish, the biggest of the day. She also won the $10 prize for catching a 10 ounce fish, the smallest fish of the day. Finally, Jordan Sackman caught the most fish according to weight, winning $15.

Bergh said the Sons of the American Legion wanted to thank the Fish and Game Department for planting several hundred fish in Round Lake a few days before the event so that kids are assured to catch some.

“When they plant a day or two ahead of the event, the kids are pretty much guaranteed to catch some,” he said.

Bergh said the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion are always looking for new members. He said veterans and/or sons of veterans who wish to join the organizations should contact the American Legion at 486-2382.