Cheltenham Township
50th Annual Fishing Derby

Recent Fishing Derby

Undated Old-Time Fishing Derby

A classic example of how things can change but remain the same, the 50-year-old Cheltenham Township Fishing Derby is unaltered at heart: young anglers try their skill and luck to catch a big one (in a freshly stocked pond that sweetens their chances considerably!).  Yet after so many years, some things are different.  Today, as many girls participate as boys, with as many moms in attendance as dads.  The derby includes single-parent families, blended families and families that reflect multicultural diversity.

On Saturday, June 2, the 50th anniversary of the annual Fishing Derby will proceed as it has for decades at Kleinheinz Pond on Tookany Creek Parkway between Central Avenue and Beryl Road in Cheltenham.   A $2 entrance fee entitles boys and girls up to age 15 to the use of a pole and line, a hot dog, a soda and a chance to win fun prizes.  Contestants supply their own lucky bait.

The derby will no doubt attract former participants who now bring their own children, continuing a Cheltenham tradition through the generations and giving today’s youngsters a good reason to unplug, unwind and relish the slow-paced joy of going fishing.