Kid’s Fishing Derby at Parker Dam Marks 50th Year
Pat Domico of Curwensville, Coordinator for the Parker Dam Kid’s Fishing Derby, poses with the grand prize, a canvas print signed by those who have made donations to support the derby which is now in its 50th year. Domico started the derby as a way to encourage people to “take a kid fishing.” (Photo by Julie Rae Rickard)
By Julie Rae Rickard
PENFIELD- A family tradition that began 50 years ago continues Saturday, April 26.
Parker Dam’s Kid Fishing Derby was started by Pat Domico of Curwensville in 1975 as a way to get children interested in fishing.
“I first went to W.K. (Ulerich of The Progress who was his boss) for money (for the derby). He gave me $100, John Leitzinger gave me $100 and Ray Walker $100,” Domico explained.
Initially it was an ice fishing derby held in mid-February. To fish safely, they had to have at least six inches of ice. Because of changes in the weather impacting the ice, they eventually moved it to April.
More recently, donors supporting the derby include the Walmart Distribution Center which provided $5,000 a year, he said. In addition the Walmart Supercenter has donated fishing outfits for every child.
“Their General Manager, Josh Kunkle, has helped us every year,” Domico said.
Any child between the ages of three and 13 can participate in the derby which begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. at Parker Dam in Penfield. (Adults are allowed to assist their child, only if they have a current PA fishing license.)
Last year, they had about 328 kids. Volunteers help make the derby possible but all the adults help out, he said.
The grand prize winner will receive a framed print donated by Jim’s Sports Center that has been signed by individuals who have donated to the event. Anyone interested in signing/donating, can contact Pat Domico at 814-236-3621. It will also be available for signing on the day of the derby.
Other prizes include 50 Susan B. Anthony gold dollars, supplied by Steve Mollica of Clearfield, who has provided these for at least 10 years, a $100 gift certificate donated by Jeff Powell, President of J. J. Powell Inc., and vintage silver dollars donated by J. Duane Test of Curwensville.
Each age group winner will get a Zebco rod and reel combo provided by Walmart.
Domico advised that the lake will be stocked with $2,000 worth of big trout the day of the event at 8:30 a.m. Anyone on site at that time can help, and even the kids can assist with putting the trout in the water.
“Everyone can get involved,” Domico said.
Funds for the fish are partially raised by donations collected in a Christmas stocking hung each holiday season at Spanky’s Courthouse Café. Last year they gathered $935. This amount was then doubled by the owners of Spanky’s, Rob and Heather Inguagiato, as they have done for several years.
When asked if he had any special stories from these past 50 years, Domico said there are “too many” but mentioned a young girl who brought a very small chub to be considered for a prize.
“We gave her a gift anyway.”
It is his hope that the derby will continue to inspire people to “take a kid fishing”.
“50 years is a long time. I am happy the Lord let me be here,” Domico said.
He added, “I hope I have the energy to continue to stock for many years to come.”
The fishing derby is not Domico’s only fish related achievement.
Domico’s Squirrel Tails for Trout group, started 20 years ago, raises money by collecting the tails which are sent to a lure manufacturer with the proceeds going to purchasing trout for stocking the West Branch of the Susquehanna River several times a year.
His efforts were inspired by a request from Ulerich who thought Domico was the right person to promote the river and the recreation around it, over 50 years ago.
In 2022 Domico was named “Person of the Year” by Pennsylvania Outdoor News.
“His persistence inspired the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to re-classify the 13-mile section of the West Branch (of the Susquehanna River) that flows through Curwensville as a trout stocked fishery,” the article announcing his honor stated.
He has made an impact statewide as well as a member of the Governor’s Sportsmen’s Advisory Council and Governor Tom Ridge appointed him chairman in August 2001.
Domico has gotten other awards including a community service award from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for volunteering over 5,000 hours at Parker Dam, the Resource Award from the Fish & Boat Commission in 2016, and in 2019, a Conservation Stewardship Award from the Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship.
He is always looking for help to continue his mission. If anyone would like to support Squirrel Tails for Trout and the annual fish stockings of the river, you can send checks payable to Laurel Hill Trout Farm to Domico at 688 Washington Ave., Curwensville PA 16833.