Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 480 to host 26th annual catfish derby

By Basil E. Bacorn —

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 480 is gearing up for its 26th annual Joseph Kinney Memorial all-night catfish derby, June 8 and 9, along the shores of the Susquehanna River.

“The money that we raise from the catfish derby we turn around and put back into the community,” VVA Chapter 480 President Lee Spinner said during a phone call about the event, listing several organizations the chapter has donated funds to in the past.

Such organizations include the Boys and Girls Club, Owego Little League, the Special Olympics, and the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, N.Y. The VVA chapter was recently able to purchase Christmas gifts for 75 Vietnam-era veterans residing at the home.

“Our event is very well attended each year and promotes sportsmanship, fishing, camping and fun for children and adults throughout the region and beyond,” read an informational letter Spinner provided about the event.

The Kids’ Cast-Off, a free of charge fun event for youth, is held on Sunday. Each and every Cast-Off contestant will receive a prize. Spinner added that the organizers would be setting out targets for the kids to aim for.

“The only catfish that we are registering are the Channel Cat, native to the Susquehanna River in Tioga County,” said Spinner.

Spinner noted that a new type of catfish in the river this year, the brown Flathead Catfish, would not be registered or weighed. The weigh station will register and weigh catches until noon on Sunday, and participants and visitors alike will have a chance to get “the best BBQ chicken in the state” from the VVA’s chicken barbecue at the event.

To register, mail a registration form and check payable to the Chapter to VVA Chapter 480, P.O. Box 491, Owego, N.Y. 13827. The fee is $25 for adults and children 13 and older; children 12 and under are registered as youths for a monetary donation or canned food item.

For more information, contact VVA Chapter 480 President Lee Spinner by calling (607) 215-1901.