Participants won up to $1,000 in cash and a grand prize boat at the 2019 Annual Fishing Derby at Sugarite Canyon State Park near Raton. The derby was sponsored by the Raton Kiwanis Club, the Friends of Sugarite and Sugarite Canyon State Park.
Clovis, N.M. resident Ben Old won the 14-foot Lowe V-hull boat and accessories. The boat, trolling motor and trailer are valued at about $3,400. The $1,000 cash prize went to Sidney Sanchez of Raton. Robert Gonzales of Raton won the $600 prize; the $400 prize went to Reynaldo Contreras, and the $100 prize was won by Krystle Montoya of Raton.
Derby participants who caught the first 30 tagged fish won automatic prizes. Numerous derby participants also won door prizes.
In an associated raffle sponsored by the Friends of Sugarite to help support the derby, the first prize of a 3-foot chainsaw bear went to Tina Frank of Raton. Second prize, a cow elk tag from Vermejo Park Ranch, went to Nancy Arcangeli of Raton. Two $50 Cabela’s gift cards went to Mike Bacca and Cody Lucero. Brenda Lechuga of Raton and John Derringer of Trinidad won handmade walking sticks. Other raffle prizes included fishing rod holders made from horse shoes, as well as a piece of horseshoe art.
Numerous businesses and organizations supported the derby in various ways, including donations. In addition to Raton Kiwanis, Friends of Sugarite and Sugarite Canyon State Park, others supporting the derby included: All Seasons gift shop, Bruno’s Pizza, Bob Caldarelli, Denny’s, El Matador restaurant, Hi-Country Flies, High Desert Outdoors, K-Bob’s restaurant, La Cosina restaurant, Don and Felix Martinez, Robert McIvor, Claudio Saenz, Ray Sisneros, SuperSave grocery, Tractor Supply and Vermejo Park Ranch.
Submission Credit:
Pat Walsh
New Mexico State Parks
Regional Interpretive Ranger/Northeast
575-445-5607
