For 24 years children have been fishing off the shore and docks of the Brechin Boat Ramp for a chance to catch the biggest, smallest and ugliest bullhead.
But even if they don’t come up a winner, there is always plenty of things to do at the Kiwanis Sunrisers Bullhead Derby.
The 25th annual derby takes place Sunday (Aug. 14) from 10 a.m. to noon at the boat ramp for children ages two to 12 years old.
All children must be accompanied by an adult and derby participants must wear a life-jacket. Some fishing rods and life-jackets will be available and organizers will supply bait for the hooks.
Prizes and trophies are awarded for the longest, shortest and ugliest bullheads, plus there will be entry-number prizes given out.
“It’s a special event for the kids. Many come back year after year once they’ve had the chance to enjoy it,” said Sue Carlson, Sunrisers secretary. “You see them lying on their tummies on the dock exploring what’s on the bottom of the ocean and they all have a ‘look at that’ expression on their faces.”
Each participant receives a free hotdog and soft drink and hotdogs will be for sale during the derby.
Kiwanis Sunrisers’ mandate is to help children and seniors and Carlson said the derby meets that goal.
“Not every child in a city has the opportunity to go fishing,” she said. “This exposes them to the sport and they might even win a fishing rod.”