It's a chance to honor a little boy's memory by spending the morning doing what he loved. Saturday, July 14th, marks the 18th annual Hunter Lewis Fittje Memorial Fishing Derby in Casper. Hunter was killed in a car crash in 2001 when he was only three years old, and his parents, Tyrone and Linda Fittje, say they struggled with how to face what would have been his fourth birthday without him. As part of their grief process, they thought about how much Hunter loved fishing and created the idea of a kid's fishing derby, with the proceeds funding scholarships in Hunter's memory.

Hunter's family wanted to give back to a community that has shown them so much love and support, and "have his legacy live on, and to have a fishing derby for kids and try to have other families be able to build those memories,"says Tyrone.

The Hunter Lewis Fittje Memorial Fishing Derby is fun for the whole family, but aimed at kids ages 0 to 9. They're the ones who will be eligible for the contests and prizes. The event will be held at Yesness Park Pond in Casper from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with registration starting at 8:00 a.m. if you haven't already signed up. The registration donation is $5.00, but Tyrone says they won't turn anyone away if they can't pay that. Everyone registered will get a t-shirt, fishing derby license, and a goodie bag. There will be prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and contest awards.

If you're going, please plan to bring your fishing gear, bait, a lawn chair, and sunscreen if you have it. Some fishing gear will be available to borrow. The Fittjes encourage all participants to catch and release any fish that are caught during the contest.

For more information, you can contact Tyrone of Linda Fittje at (307) 247-0838 or (307) 267-5735.

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