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Thursday, October 23, 2025

Youngsters compete in annual Fishing Derby at McKinley Park Lagoon on Chicago’s Southwest Facet


CHICAGO (WLS) — An annual competitors was held this weekend. At it is coronary heart, the Fishing Derby was an opportunity for youths to get pleasure from nature and have a whole lot of enjoyable.

The derby occurred Saturday morning on the McKinley Park Lagoon on Chicago’s Southwest Facet.

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Greater than 100 kids made their option to the annual Fishing Derby, casting their traces into the McKinley Park Lagoon.

“You may simply put out your fishing rod ,and when you have a button fishing rod, you’ll be able to simply press the button after which you may get a fish,” 9-year-old participant Jake Esenberg mentioned.

Steve Demitro, is the founding father of the occasion, which is now on its seventh yr.

“There may be nothing like a baby getting that first chunk on the road, the thrill by you see of their eyes,” Demitro mentioned. “Phrases alone do not do it justice, and that is the expertise that we’re bringing.”

The occasion is supposed to show households to nature and welcome fishers of all ranges.

SEE ALSO | Chicago River Swim set for Sunday downtown

Chicago cops additionally joined in on the enjoyable.

“My CAPs group is out right here at present, initially to maintain everybody protected, but additionally interact children and ensuring they’ve a good time,” CPD ninth District Commander Joe Mark mentioned.

For Bryan Esenberg and his 9-year-old son Jake, attending the occasion has grow to be a practice. After we ABC7 with them, that they had already caught their 63rd fish of the day.

“Wax worms is the winner, for those who can plop drop it it is all about really feel,” Bryan Esenberg mentioned. “So with Jake I’m not catching them, he is received that really feel. He is selecting and going.”

They’re constructing reminiscences that they are saying will final a lifetime.

“I that is what makes it necessary,” Bryan Esenberg mentioned. “How do I reside within the metropolis and nonetheless have experiences out of doors with my son? I had that chance with my dad and grandfather, so I attempted to do this with my son.”

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