MIFFLINTOWN – The Juniata County Commissioners were joined by Juniata County Veterans Affairs director Dennis Hutchings and Juniata County Veterans Council secretary Steve Ferrante to speak about the Tri-County Veterans Trout Derby. The annual event, which is sponsored this year by the Marysville Sportsman Association in Perry County, is in its third year.

According to Ferrante, the derby was the brainchild of Jim Broughton, the manager of the sportsman association’s co-op trout nursery, who wanted to offer disabled veterans the opportunity to fish and share a meal with fellow veterans. Ferrante said the last derby held had a good turnout as it saw over 90 fishermen participate. “We had good comradery and some people really appreciated what they did.” Ferrante said. The derby is also partnered with the Disabled American Veterans chapter #49 in Newport which Ferrante says is very important in reaching out to veterans and making them aware of the special event. The trout derby is open to all veterans.

This year the derby will be held on Sunday, June 6th at the Marysville Sportsman Association club grounds located at 217 King Highway in Marysville. Veterans wishing to attend the Tri-County Veterans Trout Derby must pre-register by May, 15th. Ferrante said it is important to pre-register early since the event is limited to the 100 veterans. Veterans can register on the derby’s website at www.davfishderby.weebly.com.