More than 200 Pike County children came out to compete for the largest catch at the 28th Annual Pike County Commissioners Fishing Derby for Children under 15 on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Lily Pond. This year, there was a tie for the overall longest trout of the day. Alaska Hicks, competing in the 5 & under division, and Levi Ligenzowski, from the 6 & 7 year division, each caught a trout measuring 16 ½ inches. As the overall largest catch winners, they both took home a brand new fishing pole from Luhrs True Value Hardware, a tackle box courtesy of Kost Tire and Auto, and a ‘swag’ bag provided by Blue Ridge Communications. First through third place winners among each age division were also awarded new fishing poles. Winners are as follows:   5 & Under  6 & 7 yr olds 8 & 9 yr olds 1st Alaska Hicks 16 ½”* Levi Ligenzowski 16 ½”* Lacy Imperiale 12” 2nd Gabriel Vega 12” Jason Montana 12 ½”         Mia Ligenzowski 11 ½” 3rd Mason Ligenzowski 11 ½” Weslyn Hicks 10 ½”     10 & 11 yr olds 12 & 13 yr olds 14 & 15 yr olds 1st Johnny Montana 13” Johnny Marrone 11” Anthony Marrone 11 ½” 2nd Jace Ross 13”   Kennedy Stead 11”   3rd Nick Imperiale 12” Sage Stead 11”     All derby participants were entered into a raffle drawing, where two lucky winners received a gift certificate donated by Woodloch Pines, one for midweek golf for a party of four, and one for a spa day for a party of four. Thank you to all participants and congratulations to all the winners! The Commissioners extend their sincere gratitude to the sponsors and volunteers who helped make this event a success including Lorraine Lombardo, Fishing Derby Coordinator, the Pike County Maintenance Staff, and Northwell Health for its $5,000 donation to stock Lily Pond with trout for the event. The complete list of sponsors includes: Austin Prey Memorial Fund Blooming Grove Hunting & Fishing Club Blue Ridge Communications Charles W. Grimm Construction Helms Service Station Kost Tire and Auto Lemon Family LJ Bogumil Inc. Luhrs True Value Hardware Matamoras Rod & Gun Club McGrath Family Morgan Site Contractor LLC Northwell Health Pike/Wayne Association of Realtors Pike County Outfitters Pocono Interiors Rohrer Bus Service Van Gorders’ Furniture Woodloch Pines Volunteers: Friends of Warrior Football James Leiser Pike County Sheriff’s Office Pike County Maintenance Staff America250PA Mobile Unit In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, America250PA attended the children’s fishing derby with its Countdown to 250 Mobile Experience Unit, powered by Penske and produced in partnership with Visit Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway, to help get Pike County residents excited for the Semiquincentennial this July 4th. Families participated in the interactive exhibits, tested their Pennsylvania knowledge, and picked up free giveaways. Northwell Health Another welcome addition to this year's derby was Northwell Health. In addition to contributing $5,000 to fund the stocking of Lily Pond, Northwell Health attended the derby to engage with community members and share information on their new Immediate Care Centers. Photos from the derby are available on the County website, www.pikepa.org/fishingderby2026. Photo ID 1: Left to Right: Jonathan Mignola, Senior Director, Western Region Ambulatory Operations, Northwell Health; Karyn Treval, Assistant Vice President, Metro Market, Northwell Health; Pike County Commissioner Ronald R. Schmalzle; Levi Ligenzowski, Grand Prize Winner; State Representative Jeff Olsommer; Alaska Hicks, Grand Prize Winner; and Tyler Hicks.