The Nesquehoning Conservation Club will host its 12th annual Connell McCall Kids Fishing Derby in May at the club’s pond in the borough.

The free event will be held for children 15 and under on May 7 and 8 at the club’s pond and nature center, located between Park Avenue and Industrial Road in the Hauto Valley Estates off Route 54.

The derby registration will take place beginning at 8 a.m. and fishing will begin at 9 and conclude at noon both days.

Fish stocking for the derby will take place May 6, at which time the pond will be closed to the general public to ensure the prize fish remain for the derby. The pond will reopen to the public on May 9.

“Through the efforts of our club members and the Pennsylvania Fish Commission, the town of Nesquehoning has an outstanding fishery,” said Greg Pecha, club president in a letter to supporters. “This forgotten creek has come a long way in 15 years through a lot of hard work and perseverance.”

There will be food for sale the day of the derby for visitors, and children will receive a free hot dog and refreshment.

Age groups for children fishing will be 7 and under, 8 through 11, and 12 through 15. Awards will be given to the top three largest fish in each age group as well as an overall largest fish for the derby.

The derby has been taking place since 2009 in remembrance of Connell McCall, a Lansford resident who passed away in 2006.

Initially, the derby was held along the Nesquehoning Creek, but moved to the club’s pond, located on a 7-acre plot dedicated to the club in memory of the late John “Sonny” Kovatch Jr. and his wife, Helen.

The Kovatches donated the land years prior.

The derby was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.