Fort Scott Elk's Lodge, VFW Men's Auxiliary host annual Children's Fishing Derby together

Submitted photo Winners of the Fort Scott Elk's Lodge, VFW Men's Auxiliary 1165 annual Children's Fishing Derby, which was held on Saturday, May 8, with the two organizations teaming together, proudly display the new fishing poles and tackle boxes they received as prizes.

Fort Scott Elks Lodge 579 and the Fort Scott VFW Men's Auxiliary 1165 partnered for their annual Children's Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 8.

In years past, these two organizations have done this event separately, and although successful, neither organization has had as large of an attendance as this year.

"Due to our collaboration, we were able to rally community support," James Wood, Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge 579 said. "The dedication of our volunteers made the event a success."

There were 68 children that participated in the Fishing Derby at Fort Scott Community College Lake in Fort Scott. The children fished for two hours and competed for two titles, most fish caught and largest fish caught. The contestants were split into three different age ranges.

Winners:

0 - 5 age range

Raylon Mason for most fish caught.

Bradley Hicks and Tyler Watson for largest fish.

6 - 10 age range

Denver Singmaster for most fish caught.

Joseph Coulter for largest fish.

11 - 15 age range

Jonathan Allen for most fish caught.

Jenna Kakas for largest fish.

All the children in attendance received a gift pack, a prize and lunch. The winners were awarded a new fishing pole and a tackle box.