At the Annual Handicapper Fishing Derby bus loads of Oakland County residents with mental and physical disabilities come from schools, group homes, camps and other facilities to Dodge Park No. 4 on Cass Lake in Waterford for a morning of fishing and boating and an afternoon of picnicking.

     For many guests and their caregivers, this is the event that they look forward to all year. There is something for every child or adult with a disability. In addition to the activities on the water there is music and dancing. In past years we have been honored by the presence of clowns and famous characters such as Barney, Smokey and Ronald McDonald. Souvenir T-shirts, hats, medals and goody bags are given to all.

© 2000 Observer & Eccentric Newspapers
     The event has grown 10-fold since the first Derby in 1987 when around 50 participants attended and 12 pontoon and pleasure boats were on hand to give rides. At the August 2000 derby, over 600 children and adults with disabilities enjoyed the fun-filled day at the park. The volunteer flotilla of boats has now grown to over 70. Most attendees are registered in advance, but some arrive as suprise guests and no one is ever turned away.

     The Oakland County Sheriff's Department Dive Team (safety teams for the boats loading the participants) donates their services and the Marine Division donates the manpower to run the event. Many men and women in the department take the day off to donate their time also. In all, there are about 400 volunteers required to make this a safe and successful event.

     Waterford Fire Department is on-site every year on stand-by during the event, insuring an immediate response if the need arises.