Early entry deadlines near for sturgeon derby

Entry deadlines are approaching for the 2012 Derby Dollars for Scholars barbecue and sturgeon derby to be held June 2.

Now in its 12th year, the event raises funds for scholarship programs for students in the Wahkiakum and Naselle Grays River Valley School District.

The event also coincides with 7th Annual Rods and Reels car show. This event brings hundreds of classic and unique vehicles to Skamokawa; both events are held at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds and Fairgrounds Park.

The car show is open to "all unique vehicles" and has a $25 entry fee. Entries received by May 20 include a meal, T-shirt, goodie bag and dash plaque; after May 20, only a meal is included.

The sturgeon derby is open to bank or boat anglers; all fish must be caught on the day of the derby and brought to the weigh station at the fairgrounds between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Entry postmarked by May 14 is $35 for adults and $15 for children age 16 and under; it includes a T-shirt and meal. The final day for registration is June 1.

The event includes many other activities.

A fishing pond for children age 12 and under will open at 9 a.m .; fishing gear is provided.

Volunteers will serve a barbecue lunch of salmon or chicken from 1 to 4 p.m., and there will be a raffle drawing for a large variety of donated prizes.

The raffle drawings and awarding of fish derby prizes will be at 4:30 p.m.

The program generated over $22,000 in 2011 which went to scholarship programs at Wahkiakum and Naselle/Grays River Valley schools.

Entry information for both events is available at the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce website, http://www.wahkiakumchamber.com.