Under a bright blue-sky, cormorants, gulls, and other denizens of Union Avenue Dock were sidelined from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. by this year’s contingent of Keith Romaine Memorial Snapper Derby participants.

Supervisor Panico, councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig, and Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine were on hand to welcome the anglers and their families to the event, held this year on Sept. 8.

“It’s a great event, particularly for young people,” said Romaine. “The weather is perfect.  And it’s the best way to honor and celebrate Keith’s life, raising money for scholarships in the town he grew up in.”

Erin Rara, whose son Joseph’s memory was also being honored, remembered how keen he had been to participate the first year the derby was held, but he missed the deadline. He died the following year without having a chance to enter.

A scholarship in his name is awarded to a Center Moriches student whose friendliness and commitment to others exemplifies Joseph’s outgoing character.

“He knew what it means to be a good friend,” his mother said. “Always welcoming and open to others, especially new people he met.”

The joint event, sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven and the Montauk Surfcasters, raised $5,500 in donations from area businesses.  Excitement grew as the clock neared 3 p.m. and Panico prepared to address the crowd.

There were cheers as he announced winners in the 14–16-year-old category: Joe Intravaia in first place; Ian La Puma in second place; Kevin Whelan in third.

In the 15-18-to-year-old group, James Taylor received first place honors and Leah Velazowor took home a second-place win.