Laredo Community First Fishing Derby returning to Lake Casa Blanca for children with special needs

Children and youth with special needs will have the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day during the 33rd annual Laredo Community First Fishing Derby, scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at Lake Casa Blanca State Park.

The Laredo Community First Fishing Derby seeks to provide children and young adults with special needs with a day of fishing and outdoor activities.

The event is primarily sponsored by Laredo Community First, Judge Danny Valdez, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Inland Fisheries Division, among others.

"The state donates about 600 catfish so the children can catch fish," he said. "Our goal is for children with special needs to have fun."

He said that in reality it would be more than 33 years, since for at least two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, they did not hold the event.

"This is the only fishing derby in Texas that focuses on children with special needs, and it started when there weren't many activities available for them," he said.

Valdez said the event focuses primarily on children with special needs from both school districts. Each district receives 100 applications.

"But we have another community that we call 'alumni' because they are no longer in school but have been with us since they were little," he said.

Valdez said that if anyone with special needs is not in school, he invites them to come and enjoy the fishing derby.

"We just ask that they arrive early to fill out their application and be accompanied by a parent or guardian," he said.

During the event, competitions are organized, and participants can be awarded for catching the biggest fish or the most fish.

Valdez also acknowledged and thanked the support of other sponsors and volunteers because it is thanks to them that the event continues to be held year after year.

"Because it's an outdoor event, insurance is the biggest expense, but thanks to sponsors, the event logistics run very smoothly," he said. "Children and young people with special needs will have breakfast and lunch, and I want to thank Gold's Gym, Pizza Hut and the Sheriff's Office for helping us with all the food for this event.

"We also have the support of law enforcement agencies who are helping us with the safety of attendees since it is an outdoor event at Lake Casa Blanca and offer community service hours for those students who need them and who can help us during the event."

Valdez said they feel blessed to be holding this event after so many years because it fosters family unity and wholesome outdoor fun.

"It's a family event, not just for children and youth but an event that promotes family togetherness," she said. "We encourage families to bring their children with special needs so they can have a fun-filled day."

The event will take place Saturday, May 2, and the entrance is through Ranchito Road. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. when the doors open.

For more information, call Sylvia M. Leal at 956-645-4833.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 11:03 PM.