After 40 years of running Villa Park’s annual youth fishing derby, Joe Kubica is handing off the reins to Chris Raffen of Villa Park and his son, Bryce Raffen.
“I’m getting older,” said Kubica, who turned 91 this year. Kubica, who does not live in Villa Park, explained that he joined the Villa Park Sportsman’s Club about 45 years ago. “Friends of mine, they lived in Villa Park. They brought me into the club. After a few years, somehow I got to run it [the fishing derby].”
The derby takes place on a Saturday in June at the pond at North Terrace Park, 300 N. Westmore Ave. The free event takes place from 9 a.m. until noon, and offers prizes like rods, reels and tackle boxes to children in multiple categories, including largest fish caught and most fish caught. This year’s derby took place on June 6.
“I just do it for the kids,” said Kubica when speaking about his years of presenting the fishing derby. “It’s a chance for the kids and their parents to spend the day together. Kids like to fish. The smile on their face is worth all the work. Instead of being in front of the TV or an electronic game, hey, come and enjoy a day with your mom and dad.”
The Villa Park Sportsman’s Club is disbanding, but the youth fishing derby will continue. Chris Raffen has brought his children to the pond at North Terrace Park there since they were very young. His son, Bryce Raffen, who will soon begin his senior year at Willowbrook High School, has participated in the fishing derby and won multiple prizes.
“We’ve fished in that pond forever,” said Chris Raffen. “All three of my kids loved to fish in that pond when they were younger.”
Kubica, who described himself as a lifelong fisherman and an avid hunter, will retire from his role of organizing and running the derby, but he will provide the Raffens a little help in putting the 2027 event together.
“For 40 years, Joe has given the most important thing you can give, which is time,” said Chris Raffen. He’s left us in a great place.”
