CHRIS FOX PHOTO
The Villa Park Parks and Recreation Department held its 2020 Free Fall Fishing Derby on Saturday, Sept. 19, at North Terrace Park. Children brought their own bait and tackle and tried to catch as many fish as possible from the park’s pond between 9 a.m. and noon. The event normally takes place in June but was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prizes were awarded in three age groups—7 and under, 8-11 and 12-15. Prizes included tackle and gift certificates good toward purchases from the parks and recreation department. Reyn Nevarez, who caught 21 fish, won first-place honors in the 7-and-under level. Alex Perez, who caught 17 fish, claimed first in the 12-15 age group. Bryce Raffen (pictured) caught the most fish of any of the participants in the event. The 11-year-old from Villa Park caught 38 fish to claim first place in the 8-11 division. Bryce is a sixth-grader at St. Pius X School in Lombard.
