Fishing Derby attracts hundreds to Tatro’s Pond

WINSTED — More than 125 children, along with parents and friends, were out at Tatro’s Pond Sunday, May 22, for the annual Elks Kids’ Fishing Derby.The day brought sunny skies and slightly cooler air than Saturday, which saw rain come down on the town’s 75th annual Rotary Pet Parade. Volunteer crews turned out in force to clean up Tatro’s Pond and the surrounding park and parking lot. Children ages 4 through 12 and their parents lined up along the shores on all sides of the pond in search of the day’s winning catch. And everyone helped devour more than 350 free hot dogs.The winning trout in both boys and girls divisions measured 18 3/4 inches. The boys winner was Jace Kinsman while Olivia Travaglin led the girls.The pond was originally owned by the Tatro family, who gave it to the Machowski family many years ago. The Machowskis later deeded the property to the town, with the provision that the town would take responsbility for maintenance. A volunteer group, Friends of Tatro’s Pond, has taken over the job of cleaning up the pond in recent years. Organizer Gary Peterson, a past exalted ruler at the Winsted Elks Lodge, has been organizing the event for the past three decades. He collects an assortment of prizes for the derby each year, including fishing gear, gift certificates and brand-new bicycles.