Fishing derby attracts families

Sunny skies and warm temperatures were the perfect recipe Saturday morning for the Bob Bruner Fishing Derby at Lake No. 16 of the Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area. 
 
“This was the first time I had heard about it,” said Richard Anderson, who attended the event with his children. “I like it so far. It is fun for the kids and is a fun outing.” 
 
Bruner died in 2008, but Barry Reker, Dave Heller and others have continued the event. More than $3,000 worth of rods and reels were given out Saturday to children. Donations from the Debby Durham Family Foundation, the Walmart Foundation and local contributors, including the Noon Optimist Club, help make the event a success. 
 

 
The derby coincided with the Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska. No park entry permit or fishing permit was required on Saturday. 
 
Part of the Durham Family Foundation grant was used to purchase a family camping kit that included four chairs, a tent, a cooler, a couple of fishing rods, a fishing license and other items. The camping kit, which was the derby’s grand prize, was won by Ryan Wolfe.