EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. - The East Longmeadow Lions Club is getting ready to host its second annual fishing derby on Saturday. 

The fishing derby has been a town staple for about 55 years. The Lions Club took over hosting duties in 2019 and they’re bringing the derby back after missing the last two years because of COVID-19.

The fishing derby at Heritage Park is a free youth event for kids ages 3 to 14. The children are divided into age groups with prizes for each group, including for catching the largest fish.

This year, participants can sign up online by scanning a QR code on the club’s website. 

East Longmeadow Lions Club president Roland Bolduc said the club is looking for volunteers and donations from the community for the big day.

“Just getting kids involved outdoors. It’s something we haven’t done much of with this pandemic that’s been going around,” Bolduc said. “So now that masks are now dropping off, the kids are coming out. Let’s give them something fun to do.” 

Bolduc said the Lions Club is working with the town, the police and fire departments to put the event on.

They already have over 200 kids signed up and the pond will be ready to go and stocked with 700 fish.