The Kismet Kids Snapper Derby was a big success on August 22, despite the wet weather brought by Hurricane Erin. The rain date was used, pushing everything back by only 24 hours. Fifty-eight children participated. While only two fish were caught on derby day, raffle sponsors, West Marine, the Boatel, Bar Aquatic, Nalu, and beach balls donated by the Agency made all the kids feel like winners. Congratulations to Adam for catching the first-place fish, and Nicholas for second place. The Kismet Inn provided the celebration lunch of hot dogs and fries, and the Kismet Market contributed ice pops.
A big thanks to the organizers, Warren and Lee Lem, the Finn, Harris, and Sitone families, as well as the KFD Auxiliary. Also, thanks to the volunteers Rose Ann Harris, Sharon Sitone, Patty Lyon, Dana DeRuvo Hanner, Cathie, Mindy, Jack Henry, Stephanie, Anthony, Kevin Mikes, Joe Kelly, Cal, Kai, and Rory.
![“Unfortunately, and despite our warnings and advice to leave [Fire Island] while conditions allowed, many decided not only to stay but to come over to the island,” scolded Ocean Beach Mayor James Mallott in an emailed newsletter on the afternoon of Sept. 26, during the height of the nor’easter. “These decisions put themselves and their families in danger and jeopardized our first responders who had to answer calls that never should have been.”](https://www.fireislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_8692.jpeg?quality=51&w=700)
