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Category: Event & Party Planning

Cardboard Photo Frames For VBS: An affordable, practical, colorful way to present kids’ photos

Looking for an idea to connect with families after vacation bible school (VBS) ends? Paper and cardboard photo frames are a fun and effective outreach tool.

Why?

Because VBS participants can all get their photo packaged safe and sound in a frame or photo folder, and it’s an opportunity to say something else. You can reinforce the event theme, add a slogan, or even a Bible verse.

Sending VBS follow-up frames as a gift shows your appreciation for the child’s enrollment, and at the same time reaches out to the family. Photo keepsakes are often hung on a refrigerator door or propped up on a desk, and serve as a constant reminder of your church and how much fun they had.

Colorful photo folder frame for vacation bible school sitting on a picnic table
Photo folders and paper picture frames are a budget-friendly way to help campers remember their VBS memories. A great gift for campers—or mom, dad, or grandparents! Shown: Custom Printed Photo Folder for a horizontal 4×6 photo.

What kind of VBS photos go in a photo holder?

  • Some camps set up a photo booth station (some VBS organizers use Instax cameras for this)
  • Photos of kids at craft stations
  • Group photos—either with teams, or if there are many different churches involved, with other kids from their church
  • A large group photo of everyone from camp

How to personalize photo holders for VBS

If you choose to order custom printed photo folders or personalized cardboard picture frames, add your event logo or graphics, along with some text. Consider adding a line like one of these to your custom VBS paper frames:

  • Look at how much fun you had at VBS!
  • Glad you came, we hope that you and your family will be back for more fun activities!
  • I feel blessed at VBS
  • Incorporate your theme, like “I had fun at {theme}”

Don’t forget to include ways to keep in touch, like social media icons, a website address, or even info on upcoming programs.

Church summer camp photo folder with nature theme and church logo

Make it an activity: DIY VBS picture frames

Want to make your own frames at VBS? That’s easy with inexpensive paper picture frames.

Cardboard photo frames are easy to work with, and you can use just about any craft material on them: markers, pens, stickers, washi tape, and stencils. We don’t recommend painting paper frames because the frames might curl and warp from the paint.

Oh, and you can use glitter, too… if you’re feeling brave.

What to do if you’re short on time but still want custom VBS frames

When to hand out VBS picture frames

You have two options: hand them out at the event, or mail them to participants after the event is over.

If you choose to hand the photo holders out at the event, you’ll want to either have a photo printer on-site, or have someone send the photos to a printer  early enough so you have the photos back before the end of the camp.

If you choose to mail them to participants after the event is over, be sure to order envelopes for your folders or frames. It is important to note that some photo folders and frames will be larger than first-class mail size limits, so keep this in mind if you choose this route.


Need Cardboard Picture Frames for Vacation Bible School? We can help.

White and gray cardboard picture frames with church imprint in gold foil
We make photo folders and cardboard picture frames for all kinds of church activities and events.

With hundreds of affordable photo folder and picture frame options, we’re sure we can find one to suit your needs. Whether you need a 4″ x 6″ folder, 5″ x 7″ frame, blank photo holder, or a ready-to-ship photo event folder, we have options for everyone—and every budget.

Start shopping, contact us, or call us at (800) 346-3063.

We’d love to work with you to create the perfect cardboard or paper picture frames for your VBS or other church event.

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Santa Visit Photo Holders: Three Easy Ways to Present Event Pictures

Make the most of your Santa photo events with custom paper picture frames.

The Christmas season seems to start earlier each year, and it’s easy to understand why. Christmas is a big part of our culture and a holiday that many people look forward to.

Every November Santa cheerfully shows up at malls, stores, town squares, tree lighting ceremonies, and holiday parties. He even shows up at restaurants for special “Breakfast with Santa” events (or even dinner with Santa!), which attract the whole family for a morning of fun, food, and festivities.

All of these Santa events share one thing in common: photos.

It is no surprise that many people make it a family tradition to visit Mr. Claus and his elves for their holiday picture. His image is iconic, and having that special photo of the kids on Santa’s lap is priceless.

These events draw hundreds, even thousands of people to businesses nationwide, making this an excellent opportunity to connect with customers, neighbors, and friends during the holiday season.

Some businesses offer the holiday photos as a complimentary service to their customers. Other venues may charge for a printed photo, often times donating the proceeds to a local food pantry or charity in the spirit of the season. In fact, photos with Santa have become a popular fundraiser activity for many organizations.

So if you’re taking pictures with Santa at your event, we have some inexpensive Christmas giveaway ideas for you.

Protect Your Photos with Santa Visit Photo Holders

Presenting photos with Santa in an inexpensive paper or cardboard photo frame protects the photos from fingerprints and accidental rips. It’s also a great way to market your business or event because you can personalize them with your event info or company logo, making these Santa picture souvenirs not just practical for holding event photos, but also effective marketing tools.

There are three main styles of card stock Santa visit photo holders.

Christmas Photo Insert Cards & Holiday Photo Frame Cards

Photo frame Christmas greeting cards make an instant, stylish frame for your 4×6 prints. Just slide your photo under the window frame border—no glue or tape needed!

Archival-quality and acid-free, your photographs are protected and can be used in scrapbooks and photo albums. These Christmas photo cards can even be inserted into a traditional 5″ x 7″ picture frame. The paper border acts as an instant mat for your photo.

Studio Style has two photo frame card options for your visit with Santa pictures: Christmas photo insert cards or blank photo insert cards.

Christmas photo insert card with peppermint candy design frames a picture with Santa
This candy cane photo insert card is perfect for handing out your pictures with Santa. The 5″ x 7″ card holds one 4″ x 6″ photo.

Paper Photo Folders

Santa photo folders hold your picture on the inside, and the cover protects the print from dust, fingerprints, and creases.

Photo folders are especially nice when the customer is going to be carrying the photo home, as photo folders protect their pictures better than photo insert cards might. These Santa photo folders also stand up on a desk for easy display.

Studio Style has dozens of Christmas photo folder designs to choose from. From a jolly Santa to yummy peppermint candies, we’re sure you can find a design to coordinate with your event décor.

But we have a little something extra for you: you can add your own personalization to these folders. We can print or foil stamp your company logo, event branding, or special message.

Designer tip: Are you sponsoring a Santa visit event? Consider ordering printed Christmas photo folders. Personalization on these designs is free, and we can add your logo to the back cover if the front cover is filled with the event branding.

Santa Visit Photo Holders
Photo folders shown here: Jolly Santa, Peppermint Candy, Standard Event, and Green Holly

Cardboard Picture Frames

These look much like your traditional picture frame, but are made of heavy paperstock, smooth cardstock, sturdy cardboard, or thick mat board. All of our photo frames has some sort of easel back so you can easily display your event photos on your desk, mantel, or end table.

All of our frames are available blank. Want something unique to your event? Add your Santa visit event details or logo in beautiful metallic foil. Or, if you need to go all-out with your event branding, we have full-color, custom printed paper picture frames.

Paper photo frames make an affordable yet upscale giveaway option for the holiday season. We even have Instax, Instax Mini, Instax Square, and Polaroid frames for your Christmas event.

Black paper frame for Santa visit pictures
Our Grandeur photo frames are envelope-style frames that would work perfectly for your Santa event photos. The flaps close shut to protect the photo until it is displayed at home or on a desk at work.

 Do I need Santa visit photo holders?

If you’re hiring an event photographer or printing pictures onsite, your guests will appreciate having something to get their photos home in. Here’s why:

Sliding an event photo into a paper frame or folder creates an instant photo souvenir. With your logo or event name on it, this photo holder also becomes a reminder of your business or event. What a great promotional product giveaway for the holiday season!

Photo folders protect from fingerprints, dust, food smudges… and they fit in a large purse. Whether you’re running the photo booth or are an event photographer printing photos onsite, give event guests an easy way to get their photos safely home.

We’ve made Santa photo frames for these types of events:

  • Breakfast with Santa (need some help planning your event? Check out some of these clever breakfast with Santa party ideas)
  • Dinner with Santa
  • Fundraisers & Charity Events
  • Customer Appreciation Events
  • School Events: PTOs often use a Fuji Instax camera at school events. If you have one, check out our paper frames for Instax Wide, Instax Square, and Instax Mini prints.
  • Pet Pictures
  • Churches
  • Park District holiday events
  • Open Houses for businesses or communities
  • Studio photography: Mini sessions are popular around the holidays
  • Any event in December with a photo booth
Christmas photo folders with Santa design for framing event photos
If you’re planning an event and Santa will be there, why not get Santa-themed photo folders? Shown: Jolly Santa and Santa Claus standard photo event folder

Work with Studio Style for your Santa visit photo holders

We make custom printed and imprinted Santa visit photo holders for malls, stores, community festivals, restaurants, fundraisers, schools, company parties… any holiday event you can imagine! Contact Studio Style today to learn how you can create a customized frame for your Christmas event.

Have a fantastic visit with Santa event this year!

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Autumn Dinner Party Favors That Grow

Whether you’re hosting a quaint gathering or a town festival, autumn dinner party favors are perfect fall giveaways.

Fall is a sensational time for hosting a gathering for friends and family. The changing leaves and crisp weather can inspire fantastic menus like butternut squash ravioli, roasted sweet potatoes, cranberry spinach walnut salad, and pumpkin pie.

All that time cleaning house and planning the menu, it’s important not to forget your table-scape. Creating a warm and welcoming dinner table for your fall parties is simple. Choose linens in autumnal colors; think rust, goldenrod, browns, and greens. For a rustic look, fill a bowl with apples, mini pumpkins, and gourds in all shapes and sizes.

Lighting is important and—when chosen properly—will really make your dinner shine. For an outdoor dinner, drape cafe string lights over tree branches or a pergola. Inside, candles add warmth to your table. While white candles are a classic table setting option, colored candles add festive fall flair. As delicious as some candle fragrances smell, stick to unscented. The added fragrance could interfere with your delicious dinner, and some guests might have sensitive allergies.

Autumn Dinner Party Favor Idea: Flower Bulbs

The table is set, the decorations hung, and the menu just right, so let’s plan those guest favors. Why not give an eco-friendly gift, like flower bulbs? Since fall is the best time to plant bulbs, a goodie bag of flower bulbs is an excellent choice for your autumn dinner party favors.

Autumn Dinner Party Favors in Clear Cello Bag
Dinner party favors work as place cards to let your guests know where to sit, and they’re a festive table setting

While bulbs as party favors are perfect for outdoor or garden-themed parties, they work for any fall gathering. Wrap a handful of flower bulbs (tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and allium are popular choices) in a clear cello bag, fabric swatch, or small burlap bag. Tie off with raffia, twine, or pretty fall-colored ribbon.

If you want to really personalize your autumn dinner party favors, just handwrite each guests’ name on a homemade gift tag. A simple colorful piece of scrapbook paper with a handwritten name or message looks charming and makes the gift personalized. You might consider writing bulb planting instructions on the back of the tag. Be sure to include the type of flower and its color, planting depth, bulb spacing, and what month to plant.

One last tip: remind guests to plant their bulbs before the snow starts. Bulbs may not grow if kept in a closed bag over winter and planted in the spring.

Spring Blooming Bulb Planting Chart

  • Zones 2-3 – Plant in September
  • Zones 4-5 – Plant in October
  • Zones 6-7 – Plant in November
  • Zone 8 – Plant in December
Flower Bulb Party Favors
For larger dinner party gifts, nestle the bulbs in a tissue lined paper tray.

Giving bulbs as autumn dinner party favors is a kind gesture and will provide fond memories next spring when the flowers bloom. Happy fall!

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Halloween Photo Insert Cards: An Unexpected Way to Stay in Touch

Take a picture of your little pumpkin for spooktacular Halloween photo insert cards or party invitations that will put the TREAT into trick or treat!

Autumn is a great time taking pictures of kids, pets, or the whole family. The annual trip to the pumpkin patch (and subsequent carving party), a weekend of raking leaves, and of course dressing up in costume for Halloween all make for memorable photo opportunities.

Halloween photo greeting cards are the perfect way to share those precious photos with family and friends.

Halloween Photo Cards | 4x6 Photo Insert Cards for Halloween
Our Natural Flax, Black, and Snow White Photo Insert Cards are perfect for Halloween photo greeting cards.

While most photo card enthusiasts traditionally send their personalized greeting cards out at Christmas or to announce the birth of their child, Halloween is an unexpected—and fun—time of year to send out special fall-themed greeting cards to friends and family.

Never made your own Halloween greeting cards before? We’re here to help with photo tips (like when to take the pictures) and what to write in the card (we’ve included plenty of puns because puns are fun). So grab a slice of apple pie, pour a cup of pumpkin spice latte, cozy up, and learn how easy it is to create one-of-a-kind Halloween photo insert cards.

Where to take pictures for your Halloween photo insert cards

Here are some fun fall photo ideas for your personalized Halloween picture cards:

  • Halloween Party
  • School Costume Parade
  • Costume Contest
  • Apple Orchard
  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Pumpkin Carving
  • Halloween Wedding
  • Halloween Parade
  • Haunted House
  • Hay Ride
  • Raking Leaves – be sure to get an action shot jumping in the leaves!
  • Halloween Birth Announcement
  • Oktoberfest Celebration
  • Fall Festival
  • Set up your own DIY photo booth, right at home (don’t forget the Halloween backdrop!)

Have some little ones involved in the photo shoot? Get some bonus tips for taking Halloween pictures with kids.


How to decorate your DIY Halloween greeting cards

  • Use a plain black photo holder card to make your Halloween picture really stand out. Just slide your 4″ x 6″ photo in—no glue or tape needed!
  • Gelly Pens (especially metallic) work great on darker colored cardstock. Use a bronze, copper, or pumpkin-orange pen to stay with the Halloween theme.
  • Rubber stamps are an easy way to accent your card with spooky imagery. Choose a lighter color cardstock for most stamp inks, or use a highly pigmented metallic ink to stamp on darker papers.
  • Decorate with washi tape! Add some pizazz to the window border frame on our photo insert cards with some Halloween-themed washi tape.

What to write in Halloween cards

Halloween is one of those holidays where you can get away with puns in your greeting, message, and sign-off. Not that you have to, but may as well get away with it when you can, right? Here are some Halloween card messages and wishes for you to use:

Intros and greetings:

  • Hello, boils and ghouls! (The perfect intro for fans of the classic Tales from the Crypt).
  • Ghoulish greetings
  • Howl-0!
  • To the coolest ghoul I know
  • Ghostly greetings
  • Trick or sweets!

Messages for Halloween greeting cards:

  • Wishing you a night full of frights and a bag full of delights.
  • Have a boo-tiful Halloween!
  • Happy Halloween to my favorite little goblin!
  • Have a killer Halloween!
  • Wishing you the best Halloween sugar high
  • Eat, drink, and be scary
  • Boo to you from our crew
  • Here’s to all the thrills, chills, and treats this Halloween
  • Here’s to delightful thrills and spooktacular chills
  • Have a spooky time!
  • Here’s to frightful fun and tasty treats!
  • Have a fang-tastic Halloween!

Sign-offs (closers):

  • Beast wishes
  • Bugs and kisses
  • Stay spooky
  • Best witches
  • Chills and thrills
  • Happy haunting
  • Happy Hallo-scream!
  • Creep it real

Do you have a Halloween photo idea? Or maybe you used a really clever greeting card message. We’d love to hear your creative ideas! Share with us in the comments.

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All About Fujifilm Instax Instant Film Cameras

Hey Polaroid fans! Fuji has an instant camera—and you won’t have to go on a treasure hunt to find film.

In 2008, Polaroid announced that it’s iconic Polaroid instant camera and film—the one that made them famous—was being discontinued.

Polaroid fans across the globe balked at this news and quickly formed groups live Save Polaroid in a grassroots effort to try to save their beloved camera.

Born out of this movement was The Impossible Project, which did the impossible by creating a film compatible with most of the old Polaroids out there. If you were lucky enough to find it in stock, the high cost was prohibitive to all but the most die-hard fans. Equally pricey Polaroid film was being auctioned on eBay if one was willing to pay.

UPDATE: In 2017, Polaroid Originals was launched, taking the place of The Impossible Project. They create two new cameras: the OneStep+ and the OneStep 2. The OneStep was discontinued in 2020, and Polaroid has since launched the Now, Now+, and Go cameras, as well as offering refurbished 600 cameras from the 80s, 90s, and 00s.

But then Fuji came into the U.S. spotlight with its Instax camera. With its rounded toy-like body, point-and-click ease, and instantaneous photos, it quickly became an acceptable replacement for most Polaroid users.

Since the release of the Fuji Instax 200 camera, Fuji has introduced even more models and print sizes: Instax 210, Instax 300, Mini 9 ( in lots of colors!), Mini 70, and the newest addition to their line, the Square SQ6.

Green Instax Mini 9 camera lies in the grass next to a photo from the camera

The Fuji Instax is a popular choice for parties, events, and promotions if the event organizers are looking for a relatively inexpensive and easy photo solution.

Three quick tips on using a Fujifilm Instax Camera

Comic book superhero-themed Instax square frame

Five simple reasons people love the Fuji Instax Film Camera

  1. Nostalgia. Ever since American inventor Edwin Land invented the instant camera in 1947, people have been using instant photography to capture the memories in the lives.
  2. Conversation starter. With everyone using their phones to take pictures, the sight of an Instax will more than likely draw some attention.
  3. Instant gratification. Sure, phones and digital cameras can show you what your photos look like, but can they print them instantly, too?
  4. Fun factor. Because who doesn’t love a toy-like camera?
  5. Event friendly. Instant cameras are a popular choice for parties and events.

Where to buy: Instax cameras and film can be found at B&H Photo or Adorama.

Need frames for your pictures? Find your size:

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Family Reunion Photo Souvenirs

A photo memory keepsake makes one of the best family reunion souvenirs.

Family reunions are the best time to get photos of everyone: the entire family, the individual families, the cousins, the aunts and uncles.

Because when else do you have your entire extended family together in one spot? Seize the opportunity and take some group photos. Future generations will thank you when they come across these photo memories that capture their family history.

Tips for taking group photos at family reunions

  • The easiest way to set up your family reunion picture is to use a tripod with a self-timer.
  • Make sure the camera is turned horizontally to get everyone in the picture.
  • Take several test shots, and if using a digital camera, take advantage of the LCD display screen to preview the image.
  • Since this opportunity comes along only once a year, once a decade, or in many cases once in a lifetime, make sure to take several (or more) shots to ensure that you have the perfect photo.
  • In addition to a large group shot, it is a great idea to take photos of individual couples and their children. With all these photos, you can create a visual family tree!

If you are looking for a more unique option, consider hiring a photographer to take journalistic-style photos during your family reunion. These are candid shots that offer a more natural approach than posed photographs. With this style of photography, you can capture some great photos of people laughing, hugging, socializing, and enjoying themselves.

Photo orientation and posing ideas for family photos
Left: Vertical or Portrait (best for individual or couple shots) Right: Horizontal or Landscape (best for group shots)

The Checklist: One Month Before The Reunion

  1. Go over your guest list and see how many photos you will be giving away as souvenirs. Will you give a photo to each guest, or one per family unit?
  2. Decide if you will be taking horizontal (group) or vertical (couple) photos, or if you will be taking some of each. Also decide which size prints you will be printing – 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″ or larger.
  3. Choose a mailable photo holder. You can choose a folder style print holder (where the photo is inside) or an easel photo frame. To make your photo gifts extra special, imprint your family name, reunion date, and location in foil. Some families even have a family logo! This would be great to print or imprint on your photo holders. Don’t forget the mailing envelopes!
  4. Purchase a guest book. Even if you have many of the addresses or your family, having a guest book is a nice touch for any large event. Guests will write their names, addresses, and personal message. You can later use this “address book” for sending out all of your photos! Since most guest books are designed with a wedding theme, think outside of the box and make your own with a blank bookstore journal or a family tree guest book.
  5. Clear out your memory card. Make sure that your camera works (having  back-up camera is always a good idea). Charge your batteries, get your tri-pod, and make sure you have everything you need to take great photos. If hiring a professional, now is the time to reserve a photographer.

In the days after the reunion, process and print your photos and insert into your folders or frames. Address your envelopes using your guest book information and mail out your family reunion photo keepsakes!

Having a personalized photo of your reunion is more memorable than a cheap reunion t-shirt or key chain, and will provide lasting memories for your family for generations to come.


If you need help finding the perfect frame for your family reunion photos, visit our website, send us an email, or give us a call at (800) 346-3063.

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Fishing Derby Tournament Planning Tips & Event Giveaway Ideas

Ideas and tips for planning a successful fishing derby this summer season.

A fishing derby is a fun event for kids & families to get out and enjoy the weather during the lazy summer months. With a little research and planning, you can create an event that reels them in year after year.

Choose a location for your tournament

Choose a waterfront that has plenty of open space for participants, spectators, and volunteers. A small stocked pond or lake is best for fishing derbies geared for kids-only events, while rivers and larger lakes may be a better option for adult amateur fishermen. Get permission from parks and recreation or the owner of the land to have the event there. In most cases you will need to apply for a special permit or insurance. Do your research on the rules and regulations and contact your state’s department of natural resources for info on fishing licenses, tags, and permits prior to arranging your event.

Timing: Avoid event conflicts

Before choosing your date, make sure that there are no other conflicting events going on in the area the same weekend. If there happens to be a county fair or town festival, see if you can make your fishing derby part of that larger event. The beginning of June is National Fishing Week and a great time to host a fishing-related event!

How to promote your fishing derby

Create a website to promote your event—and keep it running all year. If you aren’t skilled in website building, reach out to volunteers and sponsors to see if someone can help.

If you are not able to create a site, submit your event to other websites like the local chamber of commerce, park districts, and churches, asking them to add it to their community calendars. Add your event to sports registration sites like Active.com, as well as your local Facebook “What’s Happening” page. Speaking of Facebook, create a group or event page.

Don’t forget about print ads! Hang signs and banners in local business storefront windows or on any community bulletin boards, like those you might find at a library or village hall. If you have sponsors, ask for them to promote your event on their website and communications.

Whatever marketing mediums you use, include photos of last year’s fishing derby, start/end date, award categories, location, cost, registration details, and other event info like what to wear, bring, and participant expectations.

Need some fishing derby planning ideas? The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation offers marketing materials and event planning information.

Get all your rentals in order

Chairs and tables will need to be rented or borrowed. Consider renting a tent; it provides shade for volunteer workers or participants during those hot summer days. If you choose a location that does not have rest rooms, you may need to rent portable toilets.

Make catering or food arrangements

Arrange for plenty of water, or other beverages, and snacks. Want to stretch your fishing derby budget? Find a sponsor to donate food and drinks. You can either do a buffet style food table, or to save some event day set-up, pre-pack individual lunch bags.

Awards & Raffle Giveaways

Offering awards is a terrific way to reward participants. Try to offer awards in different age groups or categories. Awards for heaviest fish or smallest fish add an element of fun and competition. Order trophies, ribbons or plaques with the event name, date, and location. You may also want to give away a participant ribbon for everyone who signs up, especially for kid’s fishing derbies. In addition, raffle and door prizes are a fun addition to any event, and anyone can win!

Need giveaways? Consider photo souvenirs.

White cardboard photo folder for fishing derby giveaways

Want quality photos of your fishing derby? Hire a professional photographer, or consider hiring a photo booth company that does open-air photo booths. If you cannot afford to hire a professional, find a volunteer or hobbyist photographer.

Photo souvenirs are great keepsake items for participants. Customize an inexpensive paper photo folder or cardboard frame to giveaway. In addition, these photos are also great marketing tools to promote your event next year! Take candid shots of the fishermen in action, as well as posed shots with their catch. For kid’s events, have a volunteer dress up in costume as a fish or another fun character.

Father's Day Fishing Trip Polaroid Picture Frame
For this Father’s Day fishing event, event organizers designed a paper polaroid picture frame.

Always bring back-up supplies

Make sure to supply live bait or fishing lures. You may also want to have back-up poles and other essentials just in case, particularly if you’re planning a fishing derby for kids.

Take it a step further for charity

Want to take your derby a step further? Use your event’s popularity to raise money for a local charity. Sponsorships will greatly help offset tournament costs, leaving you more funds to donate to your chosen non-profit.

Good luck—and have fun!

The key to a successful fishing derby is getting people to participate year after year—and having them invite others to compete with them. If you plan it right, families will want to make it an annual event that they look forward to participating in.

Each fishing derby is as unique as its director and volunteers. With a strong team and creative vision, your fishing derby can be a memorable community event.

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