Across Nebraska this summer, fishing poles and tackle boxes have brought families together at lakes and ponds across the state. From McCook to Ravenna, Alliance to Sutton, community fishing tournaments have become much more than catching fish. They’re helping create traditions, introduce young people to the outdoors and strengthen connections among neighbors.

The McCook Optimist Club hosted the 49th Annual Larry Samway Memorial Fishing Derby and Casting Contest at Hugh Butler Lake, drawing nearly 100 participants despite cool and cloudy weather. For Service Specialist, Tyson, whose family has deep roots in the event, the tournament represents generations of memories.

The derby traces its origins back to the 1970s, when Tyson’s wife's grandfather founded the tournament. After his death in the late 1990s, the event paused for a time before family members and community supporters revived it as a memorial tournament in his honor.

Black Hills Energy is proud to be a sponsor of this event, which remains focused on making fishing accessible to everyone, especially children. Kids participate for free thanks to a dedicated fund established by a longtime supporter who passed away several years ago. Every child receives a small fishing-related gift at registration, and opportunities to win continue throughout the weekend.

A casting contest featured divisions for adults, children and toddlers fishing with parental assistance. Tournament awards recognized top adult and youth anglers, as well as the largest fish caught in several species categories. This year, Tyson’s family had plenty to celebrate. His son, Boone, landed the tournament's largest wiper, while family members also claimed top honors for walleye and crappie catches.

For Tyson, though, the biggest rewards have little to do with trophies.

"My favorite part of this tournament is seeing kids and their families out enjoying God's creation," he said. "Nothing beats a day at the lake with the ones you love."

That same sentiment was on full display in Ravenna during Annevar, the town's annual celebration whose name cleverly spells Ravenna backward.

Among the many activities that fill the community festival weekend, the Father's Day Youth Fishing Derby has become a major attraction. This year's event drew roughly 200 kids to the water, creating one of the largest gatherings of young anglers in the region.

Black Hills Energy supported the derby with prizes including fishing poles, tackle boxes and life jackets, while Service Technician, Brock, coordinated the event.

Brock’s involvement was almost accidental – when organizers struggled to find someone willing to help grow the fishing derby, he volunteered. Before long, he found himself leading it. He took to it, well, like a fish to water.

A derby that once attracted only about 20 participants now regularly welcomes around 200, and Brock works tirelessly so every child leaves with a prize.

An avid outdoorsman who coaches high school trap shooting teams and serves as a hunter education and boating safety instructor, Brock sees the fishing derby as another opportunity to connect young people with outdoor recreation.

"The outdoor community is probably the best community," he said.

His passion has helped gather support from local businesses, conservation groups and residents. Sponsors contribute thousands of dollars in prizes, while Nebraska Game and Parks helps with equipment and educational activities. 

In Alliance, Black Hills Energy employees launched their first-ever fishing tournament at Laing Park on May 29. Working alongside Nebraska Game and Parks, the Alliance Police Department and the Alliance Fire Department, the team welcomed nearly 100 youth participants for a day of fishing, food and community engagement.

The event's most memorable moment belonged to a young boy fishing for the first time. Using equipment provided through the program, he reeled in both the largest fish and the largest catfish of the tournament. His success earned him fishing gear of his own and created a memory that will last a lifetime.

Meanwhile, kids explored emergency vehicles, met first responders and learned about local wildlife from Nebraska Game and Parks staff. Black Hills Energy employees helped measure fish, served lunch and spent the day interacting with families.

According to one of the organizers, LeeAnn, the idea came from a technician looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community.

"My favorite part of the day was watching children who have never fished before learning a new skill and seeing families come together to spend quality time with one another," she said.

The team's community-minded approach continued after the final fish was measured. Freewill donations collected during lunch will be matched by Black Hills Energy and used to support the Alliance Animal Shelter.

Farther east in Sutton, a fishing tournament held during the community's Dugout Days celebration offered another opportunity for connection.

Aly, a Black Hills Energy ambassador, attended the event, setting up a booth and distributing company-branded bobbers and promotional items. The giveaway proved popular with young anglers, and Aly quickly ran out of supplies as families gathered around the local pond.

Taken individually, each fishing derby may seem like a small community event. Together, however, they tell a larger story about the role local traditions play in bringing people together.

Whether it's a nearly 50-year-old Father's Day tradition in McCook, a rapidly growing youth derby in Ravenna, a successful first-year tournament in Alliance or a hometown celebration in Sutton, each event shares a common thread: creating opportunities for families to step away from screens, spend time outdoors and make memories together.

For the volunteers, sponsors and community leaders who invest their time each year, the goal is simple. Fishing brings people to the water, but the real catch is the sense of community that keeps them coming back.