Essex County plans 7 fishing derbies | The Progress Lifestyles | newjerseyhills.com – New Jersey Hills

On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.

“Our fishing derbies are an excellent opportunity for our children to enjoy the historic Essex County Park System in a different and fun way. You’ll have a great time creating your own ‘big fish’ stories and spending some quality time with your friends and family in some of the most beautiful parks in the area,” County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“I invite everyone to come out, cast their lines, Experience Essex and take a look at the improvements we are making to revitalize our parks.” 

Sponsored by the county Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, each derby is free and open to children age 15 and younger.

All children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own fishing pole, bait, bucket and chair. Children are encouraged to bring their own fishing poles.

Prizes in various age categories for catching the first and most fish will be awarded at the conclusion of each derby.

Other fishing derbies:

• Tuesday, May 17: Monte Irvin Orange Park pond, Center Street and Harrison Street, Orange. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.

• Wednesday, May 18: Irvington Park pond, Grove Street and Lyons Avenue, Irvington. On-site registration begins at 4:30 p.m., the derby begins at 5:30 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7 p.m.

•  Tuesday, May 24: Weequahic Park lake, Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Avenue, Newark. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.

•  Wednesday, May 25: Verona Park boathouse, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue, Verona. On-site registration begins at 5 p.m., the derby begins at 6 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7:15 p.m.

•  Thursday, May 26: South Mountain Recreation Complex, Orange Reservoir, paddle boat area. On-site registration begins at 4:30 p.m., the derby begins at 5:30 p.m. and awards will be presented at 7 p.m.

•  Sunday, June 5: Branch Brook Park Prudential Concert Grove, use Park Avenue or Clifton Street entrances, Newark. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m., the derby begins at 10 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11:30 a.m.

For information, call (973) 268-3500. In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on www.essexcountynj.org. Canceled derbies will not be rescheduled.