For the past couple of years, Royal LePage Advance Realty has been considering putting on a salmon derby, this year they decided to do it.
Though there are small derbies run by local companies or resorts, the team at Royal LePage wanted to do something that is for all of Campbell River.
“A lot of people are saying ‘holy smokes how have we not had this in Campbell River yet?’” said realtor Deanna Collins with a laugh.
The derby is happening on June 11 at Robert Ostler Park. So far, 100 tickets have been sold online. There is no word on how many have been sold in person. Collins is expecting around 400 participants, though she said it is hard to guess because it is the first year.
While the anglers are off trying to catch the biggest salmon, there will be plenty for family and spectators to do.
Starting at 11 a.m., local bands will be taking to the stage to perform half hour sets.
Because there were too many prizes donated, there will be a silent auction table under the longhouse.
It can even be an all day outing as multiple food trucks will be attending the event.
There will be fishing activities and prizes for the kids as well as face painting and a Bounce-a-rama.
“Hopefully it will be a fun day downtown,” Collins said.
The more than $20,000 in prizes will be handed out at 5 p.m. All of the money raised is going to the North Island Transition Society through Royal LePage’s Shelter Foundation as well as the Campbell River Salmon Foundation.
Tickets are available online at River Sportsmen, Tyee Marine and Royal LePage as well as online at crsalmonderby.com. They will be available until June 10, the day before the event.