Chenango Lake Perch Derby On Schedule For Feb.
Published: January 17th, 2014
By: Matthew White

Chenango Lake Perch Derby on schedule for Feb.

The ice is well on its way to thickening in time for the annual Chenango Lake Perch Derby, allowing the annual Perch Derby held by the Oxford Lions Club to be held on Saturday, February 8th, as scheduled. Unlike the 2013 Derby – which was postponed due to unseasonably warm temperatures through January – this year's event runs no risk of being put on thin ice.

Anglers from all points of the county will have the opportunity to “perch” themselves atop the frozen Chenango Lake and engage in some friendly competition, the derby will begin at 7 a.m. continuing until 2 p.m.

The Derby of today that is enjoyed by a dedicated group of sportsmen was conceived in 1975 by the late Ed Caputo of Norwich. It was originally chartered as a fund raising event with proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society (ACS). When Caputo approached Red Mayhood –founder of Mayhood's Sporting Goods – about the idea, Mayhood obliged and acted as the sole sponsor, donating supplies and an ice auger to the cause.

While the ACS no longer staffs a local chapter, Mike Mayhood, current owner of Mayhood's and son of the late Red Mayhood, worked diligently to get the derby back on ice following a three year hiatus.

“There's only been four or five years that we've had to cancel due to the potential risk of thin ice,” said Mayhood. “other than that, there's always been a great turnout.”

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