Break out your fishing rods and head up to Michichi this Saturday for the Ryan Savary Fishing Derby.
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the first derby.
“It looks like we’re going to have some good weather. We’re looking forward to another great derby,” said Alex Savary, father of Ryan Savary.
Everyone is invited to head to Michichi on Saturday, September 7, for the annual Ryan Savary Fishing Derby. The derby was created in 1994 in memory of Ryan Savary, who perished while fishing near Hanna. Prizes are up for grabs for the largest catches of the day.
The derby was created to help remember and honour Ryan Savary, who passed away in 1994, while fishing.
“My boy died going fishing in a little pond next to Hanna. He left us about a month before graduating high school. But, that was one of his passions, next to marathon running and golfing. He was quite a kid,” said Alex.
“His buddy, Greg St. Laurent, were fishing buddies and pretty much inseparable. That year, they were planning to do a fishing derby in Hanna. So Greg, went ahead and started the Ryan Savary derby.”
Soon after the first derby, the annual event was moved to Michichi and Alex took over planning the event.
Over the years, many of the people who attended kept coming back.
“It’s really good, because a lot of the people who come out have been coming since the year it started,” said Alex. “It’s becoming like a family.”
Each year, prizes are awarded to the participants who catch the largest fish. However, last year there was a bit of a snag in that no fish were caught. Despite that, everyone still had a great time hanging out.
“Last year, there were no fish caught! So, instead, we drew the prizes and the person who won has been coming to the derby religiously each year,” said Alex.
Everyone is encouraged to head to Michichi on Saturday, September 7, and cast their line in memory of Ryan Savary.
“If you want to do something that feels good, it’s the place to be. The people who come out are absolutely fantastic. There are a lot of laughs and some teasing. It’s a really feel good atmosphere,” said Alex. “One top of that, who knows, you could win a prize.”
