Assistant Recreation Director Fred Tenore weighed contenders for largest fish up to the last minute in Friday’s derby at Ann Van Middlesworth Park.
Young Gabriella Iovino waited anxiously for word that her late entry might take the prize. It fell short, as Ava Vecchio, 5, caught the largest fish with the first cast of the afternoon, coming just minutes after the 5 p.m. start of the popular township event.
About 200 people pitched tents on the outfield of a baseball field for the night, and 86 signed up for the fishing derby, Mr. Tenore said.
After struggling with tent poles and pegs, adults tended to kick back in conversation and hors d’oeuvres, while children roamed the park, taking in its slides and other attractions. The evening was warm, if muggy.
The package for the event also came with late-night controlled fires overseen by firefighters. In the morning, a light repast of bagels and doughnuts greeted bleary-
eyed campers.

