Who?
The Awakening Angler YouTube Channel and O.M.F. Events/ Limp Lizard BBQ have partnered together to carry on the CENTRAL NEW YORK tradition of the Chittenango Lions Club opening weekend Walleye Derby on ONEIDA LAKE.

What?
2022 was the last year The Lions Club held the derby which started in 1979. WalleyeFest Festival & Derby was born in early 2023 to carry on the tradition beloved by generations and thousands of Anglers. Now in its 44th year the derby will be updated, expanded, and made into a 3-day Music, Food, and vendor festival to kick-off SPRING in CNY!  WalleyeFest consists of:

• 2-day Walleye derby with KIDS only division, Largest CASH prizes of ANY derby in NYS!

• Live Music Friday & Saturday nights

• Food trucks & beer tent

• Outdoor Sports

• Home & Outdoor show on festival grounds

• In-water boat show with Demo rides.
   

When?

The festival starts Friday night at 5pm with the Weekend kickoff party @The Pier Banquet Hall Rt 37 Central Square. The festival runs on Saturday from 1000am – 1000pm and Sunday 1000am – 6pm @Lighthouse Park Rt 37, Central Square NY.

Where?

The Derby is on Oneida Lake NY. Measuring stations are located around the lake. Derby Headquarters and Festival grounds are located at Lighthouse Park, Co. Rt 37, Central Square NY. 13036

Why?

Local Lions Clubs from all over Central New York have run this derby since 1979. In 2022 the Chittenango Lions Club announced it was no longer going to be running the derby.  That was when the WalleyeFest group decided to take it over and make it bigger and better than ever, and keep the tradition alive.