Derby to show off repaired Lindenhurst marina

The Village of Lindenhurst plans to hold its annual Snapper Derby on Saturday and officially open its marina.

The free children's snapper derby is sponsored by the village and the Lindenhurst Rotary Club and will take place at the Charles J. Cowan Marina on South Wellwood Avenue.

The derby is a catch-and-release contest open to children ages 5 to 12. Registration is on the day of the event only, from 8 to 9 a.m., and is limited to the first 300 children. Children must have their own fishing poles and be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Fishing will be from 9 a.m. to noon. From noon to 1 p.m., prizes will be awarded. The boy and girl who catch and release the heaviest snappers will each receive BMX-style bicycles, as will the child who catches and releases the most snappers. Second- and third-place winners will receive trophies.

After the awards, village officials will hold a celebration of the ceremonial opening of the marina, which has been in use throughout the summer.

The village has been making repairs on the marina for more than three years: It was first damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and then further damaged by superstorm Sandy in 2012. This past winter, the marina suffered another hit when the frozen waters caused mooring poles to loosen.

In addition to capturing and resetting the poles, the village has had to reconstruct bulkheading, repair the boardwalk and fix and update the water and electrical systems at the marina.

"Though we have had use of the marina this summer, we want to celebrate by officially putting Sandy behind us," village trustee Joan Masterson said in a statement.