Summit Fishing Derby Continues a 70-Year Tradition of Community and Connection

SUMMIT, NJ – On a beautiful spring day in Summit, families gathered at the Municipal Golf Course pond on Saturday for one of the city’s most enduring traditions, the annual Fishing Derby.For more than 70 years, this event has been a rite of passage for generations of Summit residents. What began as a simple community gathering continues today as something more meaningful, a shared experience that brings families together year after year.The event is sponsored by the Summit Police Athletic League and led by Sergeant Christian Eriksen alongside a dedicated group of volunteers. Their work begins long before the first cast. Volunteers even stay overnight, making sure the pumps are running and that everything is ready, so the day can unfold without a hitch.Earlier in the week, the pond was freshly stocked, setting the stage for a lively day. It did not take long before the banks filled with children casting their lines, some with quiet patience, others with pure excitement. Each catch brought cheers, smiles, and a sense of accomplishment that felt just as big for parents watching nearby.The atmosphere was simple in all the right ways. Hot dogs were on the grill, prizes were handed out, bait and lures were available, and a warm fire gave families a place to gather between casts. It is the kind of setting that reminds you how little it takes to create something memorable.It was clear that many of the youngest fishermen were quickly learning, watching and picking up tips from those who have been coming to the derby since they were kids themselves. That passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is part of what makes the day stand out.Nearby, a display board marked “Fishing Derby Est. 1954” featured black and white photos of past gatherings along the same pond. Looking at those images, it was hard not to notice how little has changed.Events like this reflect the mission of the Summit Police Athletic League, which works to strengthen relationships between police officers and the community through programs that support youth, education, and connection. Like many community programs, it relies on local support to continue its work. Those who would like to help can learn more or donate here:https://police-athletic-league-of-summit-n-j.networkforgood.com/projects/123121-2021-fundraiser-campaignThe derby carried well into the afternoon, with kids still lining the pond, comparing catches, and going back for one more cast. After more than 70 years, it is clear this is one tradition that still holds up.