NEW BERLIN – The cold weather has thickened the ice on Chenango Lake and there is no thaw in sight, allowing the annual Perch Derby held by the Oxford Lions Club to be held on Saturday as scheduled. The Derby begins at 7 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m.

NBT Bank is sponsoring a $1,000 prize for the first perch caught with a 2010 tag. As in the past, if no tagged perch is caught, the $1,000 will be raffled off to registered anglers only. Preferred Mutual Insurance, New Berlin, is sponsoring the second $500 prize for the lucky angler catching a second perch with a 2010 tag. Also, $150 will be paid for the largest perch and $150 for the largest pickerel caught during the day, compliments of Mayhood’s Sporting Goods and Dr. Richard Polgar.

Registration begins at 6 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. The $5 registration fee and all other proceeds from the derby will be used to fund the many community projects that the Oxford Lions Club supports such as eye examinations and eyeglasses for those in need.

“This is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the winter season and at the same time support Lions Club projects,” said Lion Mike Mayhood. “We have had a number of people pre-register for the event already.”  Prizes will be given away for the largest perch caught every 15 minutes of the Derby.  A menu of hot food and drinks will be available all day on the ice. Look for more information at the Oxford Lions website, www.oxfordlions.org.