Monongahela Aquatorium Serves As Host

By Paul Chasko

June 20 was cool and cloudy and the 84 kids that showed up at the Monongahela Aquatorium caught and released 47 fish in the Annual Fishing Derby, with some taking home trophies. The Derby ran from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and there was lots of action.

Abigail Downer landed this 23 ½" carp to win a third place trophy in her age group.

The younger kids had some help from moms, dads, grandparents or big brothers who brought them. The kids fished either from the Aquatorium of from the banks of the Monongahela River on either side. A variety of fish were caught, and members of the Valley Inn Sportsmen’s’ Association were on hand to see that the fish were netted, measured and released.

There were 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd prize trophies for the largest fish caught in the 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 age groups and a single trophy for the most fish caught. The winners of the trophies were:

1-5 Years

1st Place:             Emma Smith (21” Sheephead)

2^nd Place:             Madison Mazur (14” Sheephead)

3^rd Place:              Graham Sites (8” Rock Bass)

6-10 Years

1^st Place:              Joey Mazur (19 1/2” Sheephead)

2^nd Place:             Amelia Downer (19” Carp)

3^rd Place:              Albert Trunzo (18” Catfish)

Fishing along the south bank of the river was less crowded.

11-15 Years

1^st Place:              Diego Fedrick (36” Muskie)

2^nd Place:             Austin Williams (23” Carp)

3^rd Place:              Abigail Downer (21 3/4” Carp)

Most Fish Caught: Alexis Davis – Age 10, with 6 fish

There were enough door prizes donated that every contestant at the event won something and lunch was free for the participants.

Monongahela Mayor Bob Kepics was on hand to congratulate all the winners and to thank all the local merchants who donated cash, food and prizes to make the event a success. He also offered a special thanks to the Valley Inn Sportsman Association, who made it all happen.

Quite a few companies and individuals donated to make this event a success and they deserve a pat on the back:

The North end of the Aquatorium was a popular spot to fish.

Ashcraft Construction Co.

Charleroi Federal Savings Bank

W.G.Tomko Inc

Kegel Funeral Home Inc.

Lenzi Service Station

Cicci Dance Supply Inc.

Randall G, Rodriguez DMD

Slopvak American Citizens Club

Rick Pourtel

The Hacket Club

Drensen Electric

Carder, Hertog and Coulin

The "Olivia Rose pushes a load of barges past the Aquatoreum

Cox’s Market

Giant Eagle

Foodland

Bartman Inc.

Big G Tire

Dettores Pizza

Karen L. Quinto

Grilli’s studio

Span & Taylor Drug Co.

Reynolds Brothers Inc.

Elizabeth Equipment Services Inc.

Every contestant won a great door prize - fishing rods or tackle boxes.

Nelson’s Car Wash

Bill Gricar & Darla Porter

Charlie Eisiminger

Monongahela Fire Dept.

Hills Restaraunt