Volunteer for Father’s Day Family Fishing Derby
Sunday, June 21, 2026 • 12:00 – 2:30 PM • MVPA Pond
Spend Father’s Day afternoon at the pond. MVPA’s fishing derby is back! This is a catch-and-release event for member families of all skill levels — bring a rod or borrow one of ours (contingent on supply), set up a picnic, and let the kids try their hand at casting, knot-tying, and pond life discovery. Ribbons in every age group, awards at 2:10 PM. 
Learning Stations for Kids
Three drop-in stations run from 12:00 to 2:00, staffed by MVPA volunteers:
- How to Cast — instruction for spincast, spinning, and baitcaster reels, with target practice on the lawn
- How to Tie a Knot — practice the improved clinch knot on paracord, then graduate to real fishing line
- Pond Life Discovery — what fish, frogs, turtles, and bugs actually live in our pond
Kids who visit all three stations get their Pond Bingo card stamped and earn a small prize at the pavilion.
Questions? Contact the activities chair here
Schedule
| 12:00 PM | Gates open — register, set up your picnic, claim a grill |
| 12:00–2:00 | Learning stations open: Casting, Knots, Pond Life |
| 12:20 PM | Welcome remarks and safety briefing at the pavilion |
| 12:30 PM | Lines in the water — fishing begins |
| 1:00 PM | Casting contest on the lawn (20 minutes) |
| 2:00 PM | Last cast — bring final catches to weigh-in |
| 2:10 PM | Awards ceremony |
| 2:30 PM | Event wrap |
Rules & Safety
- Catch-and-release only. All fish go back in the pond.
- No wading — please stay on the shoreline.
- No fly fishing (limited shoreline space).
- Wear your bib number whenever you’re fishing — it’s how we credit your catches.
- Circle hooks recommended for easier release — we have them available at the loaner station.
- Pack out what you pack in.
Volunteer Now
Please login to your member account to volunteer for this event! We appreciate you!