Catfish Derby kicks off at the International Sportsmen’s Expo
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The 36th annual Catfish Derby, an event sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, is scheduled for May 17 to 19, and is now accepting entries.
This year, the derby will be featured at the International Sportsmen’s Expo in Sacramento – California’s largest outdoor exposition, with more than 600 exhibitors and drawing outdoor sports enthusiasts from throughout the country and beyond.
The expo runs from Jan. 17 through 20 at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., in Sacramento.
“The Catfish Derby is the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi,” said Dennis Locke, chair of the 2019 Annual Derby. “Like our Derby, the Expo draws people from throughout the United States. It is the perfect venue to kickoff the Derby,” he said.
Catfish Derby volunteers will be on hand at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce booth, along with others, to promote Lake County, distribute the information rich Lake County Destinations magazine and hand out sign up information for the Derby.
“We are excited to be included in the Chamber of Commerce efforts to promote Lake County at the International Expo in Sacramento,” said Locke.
Derby entry forms are available and can be downloaded online at www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby and mailed to P.O. Box 1211, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423.
Also accepting entries for the Derby are Limit Out Bait and Tackle located on 12607 East Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks and Susie Q’s Donuts, located on 414 S. Main St. in Lakeport.
Entry forms will also be accepted in person at Derby Headquarters on May 16 and May 17 at the Clearlake Oaks Fire Station on 12655 East Highway 20.
Locke thanked the fire station for again hosting the event and Limit Out and Susie Q’s for supporting the derby and providing the added convenience to participants.
Derby flyers are being distributed to local businesses, the chamber, visitor centers and other locations. Anyone interested in volunteering or supporting the Derby is encouraged to call the hotline number, 707-596-0248.
The derby culminates on Sunday, the last day of the derby, in a community barbecue where the winners are announced. Many of the 900-plus participants return year after year, joining family and friends at the competition.
“As important as the awards are, it’s the camaraderie that builds with each passing year that makes the Annual Catfish Derby a success,” said Locke. “The Derby Committee and all our volunteers are looking forward to another great event.”