Legacy Unfurled: The Story of the Annual Kermit Long Kahshe Lake Fishing Derby

In the late 1940s, he inaugurated a beloved tradition by initiating a fishing derby tailored for the local youth, a cherished event that endured for over three decades.

In 1986, Kermit Long breathed new life into the fishing derby after he relocated to Cherokee Island two years prior (1984). This revitalized iteration of the derby brought joy and excitement to the eastern shores of the lake, enriching the summer experience with a week-long celebration of fishing and camaraderie.

In the dawn of the new millennium, as Kermit Long gracefully aged, the reins were entrusted to the capable hands of Nick and Pat Swirla, Mike Crosby, and Peter Dykstra. They steered the event forward with unwavering dedication, ensuring its continuity for another illustrious decade.

A brief interlude followed when Johnette at Denne's Marina, assisted by Don Anderson, assumed stewardship for a year. Their tenure witnessed an expansion of the derby's reach across the entirety of the lake, coupled with a strategic adjustment to its temporal scope.

Then, the legacy passed into the leadership of Ken and Karen Long, Kermit's son and daughter-in-law, alongside the dedicated support of Toivo Madrus and Sandra Moad. These stalwart denizens of Kahshe Lake formed an indomitable quartet, shepherding the derby's affairs for yet another decade. Amidst their tenure, the KBLA, recognizing the event's burgeoning significance, embraced its financial sponsorship, fueling its continued growth and community impact.

In 2021, a new chapter unfolded as the Swirla-Miller cottage on Boyd Island assumed the mantle of leadership. For Erin Swirla and the committee, the derby was significant and transcended mere nostalgia; it represented a timeless tradition to be upheld and cherished.

The derby's enduring allure lies in its ability to foster bonds across generations. Families return annually, spanning multiple generations, to partake in the event’s excitement and camaraderie. Children, joined by their extended relatives, eagerly participate in the thrill of the event, weaving cherished memories into the tapestry of family history.

Such is the enduring appeal of this historical derby that many families carefully plan their vacations to coincide with its annual festivities, ensuring that the tradition remains a cherished highlight of the summer season for years to come.