Each year, Lake Emilie is stocked and ready for the Kids Fishing Derby, which takes place on the second Saturday in June! It’s one of the many annual events hosted in partnership by Mayor Michael Cherepko, the McKeesport Recreation Board and the Allegheny Regional Asset District. 

The event is open to kids 15 and younger, as Pennsylvania law requires anyone older than 16 to have a license to fish. Kids are asked to bring a fishing rod and bait. They sign up for a modest fee of 50 cents. This year, more than 115 children registered. Mayor Cherepko and the Recreation Board provided lunch and plenty of door prizes and skill prizes. For the second consecutive year, McKeesport Firefighters IAFF Local 10 provided bicycles for the children who catch the biggest fish. Special congratulations to Layke Katona-Pysz, Darin Spade, and JaLayah Nehila, who won this year’s grand prizes!