The 2023 Key Colony Beach Kids Fishing Derby may have been the event’s 16th iteration. But it made sure to honor one of its biggest supporters since its early years.
Renamed just this year, 25 children and dozens of volunteers donned shirts to commemorate the first Ron Sutton Memorial Kids Fishing Derby, named after the former KCB commissioner who passed away in October of last year.
“With Ron’s passing last fall, we wanted to make something special, because he was such a big part of it,” said derby co-organizer and KCB commissioner Joey Raspe.
Departing on the Marathon Lady, children from 6 to 14 enjoyed a morning of competition trying to boat the longest fish of any species before retiring to the Key Colony Inn banquet room for a lunch and awards ceremony. Each received a litany of door prizes and supplies for a day on the water, with extra chances to win larger raffle prizes like bikes and a kayak as well as trophies for placement within their age group.
“The kids don’t have to put a dime into it,” said derby co-organizer and KCB Police Chief Kris DiGiovanni.
“We want to give kids the first shot who don’t have boats at home. They live here, and they’ve never had a fishing rod in their hand,” added Raspe. “You see how grateful they are, and it’s incredible.”
DERBY WINNERS INCLUDED:
Ages 6-8
1st: Gigi Mills
2nd: Evan Paul
3rd: Irvin Beck
Ages 9-11
1st: Artie Hrytzay
2nd: Pablo Rodriguez
3rd: Tyler Hill
Ages 12-14
1st: Aiden Lezcano
2nd: Melanie Olivio
3rd: Alexa Seckinger
