The blast of a siren, a high-pitched scream, the laughter of children and dozens of bobbers hitting the water at once echo off the hills. Cascades of children’s primary colors form a kaleidoscope of colors that are reflected in the blue water of Cocoran Pond. “I GOT ONE—I GOT ONE” a small girl, in a brilliant pink wide-brimmed hat, shouts as she struggles to bring a fighting trout to shore.

This is the usual morning scene as the Waterville Valley, “Casting for Kirby” fishing derby gets underway. A hundred children, all hoping for the big one, trying to catch a fish that will fetch a prize.

The “Casting for Kirby” youth fishing derby takes place during Memorial Day Weekend on the shores of Waterville Valley’s Corcoran Pond. The event is sponsored by the Town of Waterville Valley - Departments of Public Safety and Recreation, N.H. Fish and Game and the Pemigewasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited.