The Bluewater Anglers are eagerly awaiting to host the 46th annual Salmon Derby.
The event runs from April 29 until May 8. Over $50,000 in cash and merchandise prizes will be available and $5,000 in cash will be up for grabs for the largest salmon entered into the contest.
Chairperson Paul Heckley said the derby is the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year.
"Our goal is to raise at least half of the annual operating cost for the hatchery through the Salmon Derby," he said. "[In] previous years it has been between $15,000 and $20,000. It kind of varies year to year, depending on participation."
Heckley said the last in-person derby held in 2019 saw just over 1,000 participants from across southwestern Ontario.
"Hopefully people are anxiously awaiting to start the derby again having two years off," he said.
Tickets for the derby can be purchased at various locations across Sarnia-Lambton or online. Heckley said the only condition is participants cannot enter a fish the same day they buy a ticket.
Further details about the event, such as ticket information, can be found on the Bluewater Anglers' website. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2022-bluewater-anglers-salmon-derby-tickets-177062437517