Family fun gets 'em hook, line and sinker

It was definitely a family affair.

On a cloudy but windy Saturday in Hoffman Estates, hundreds of people, many in families, gathered around South Ridge and Westbury lakes with their fishing poles and lawn chairs for the 14th annual Community Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce and the Sears Holding Corp.

Cheri Sisson, the chamber's new executive director, said the event usually draws about 2,000 people and the money raised from admissions goes to a scholarship fund.

"It's such a great event," said Sisson, whose first official day is Monday. "Some families were out here at 6 a.m. to pick out spots. It's perfect weather this year."

Registration began at 8 a.m., and the derby officially started an hour later. Vendors, including the Hoffman Estates Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and Domino's Pizza, sold food and refreshments. A Boy Scout troop sold worms to the aspiring fishermen.

The fish, which came from a hatchery, were tagged in denominations of $35, $50 and $100. The event's big fish was worth $1,000.

Sisson said the fish were put in Thursday. "Then we put out a sign -- no fishing until today," Sisson said. "We tell them not to feed the fish, too, so they're hungry."

To some fishing hopefuls, like Randy Brazier, coming to the derby was a new experience. Brazier, who was fishing with his family, said the main reason for the outing was his two children, who are 8 and 5 years old.

"I think so far (the best part) is my son catching a fish and getting a free T-shirt," said Brazier, an eight-year resident of Hoffman Estates. "Well, more like he assisted in the catch."

For others, the fishing derby is a fond tradition. John Michas, a 30-year Hoffman Estates resident, said he's been coming to the derby for at least five years with his granddaughters.

"My favorite part is being with my granddaughter and spending time together," Michas said. "It's a nice outing -- it's good to do these community outings."

While normally Michas comes to the derby with all three granddaughters, today only 10-year-old Madison accompanied him. But she enjoyed her time at the derby.

"I look forward to it," Madison said. "Coming here, being with my grandpa. I think it's really special that he takes me here."

The derby, one of the chamber's three major fundraisers, was started in 1995. The event is always held in June on a day when the Illinois Department of Natural Resources does not require fishing licenses.