Armed with a variety of baits, tactics, and equipment, more than 10,000 ice fishing enthusiasts from twelve states and Canada will make an annual migration to Brainerd's Gull Lake for the Brainerd Jaycees $100,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza. This year's event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 22nd and again promises to be a fun winter day along with many big prize winners. The premise behind the event, Minnesota's largest ice contest, is to tap into a small but growing segment of the fishing industry in order to raise funds for charity. Over the past few years, more than half a million dollars has been raised for nearly 50 non profit agencies. Nationally known Confidence Learning Center, Brainerd MN, is the tournament's main charity receiving 70% of the funds each year. Confidence Learning Center is an outdoor facility which facilitates educational and growth oriented activities for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities. Although anglers like the fact that their $35 entry fee goes directly towards benefiting others, the real goal is take home one of the contest's many prizes. In all, well over $100,000 in cash and prizes will be given away during the three hour event. The overall largest fish will win a new Ford 4x4 with the 100th place angler earning $12,500 in cash. Prizes placed randomly between the two include Polaris snowmobiles, ATV's, Strikemaster ice augers, Vexilar locators, cash prizes and more. In addition, the first 100 persons registering a fish eight ounces or better automatically will win a special package of fishing tackle and gear. An optional random prize package is valued at just over $25,000 and includes a trip for two to the Superbowl, Polaris snowmobile, ATV, and many cash prizes. As a leadership training organization for young adults, the Ice Fishing Extravaganza is a means for the organization to incorporate it's members into real life business scenario while also benefiting the community. More than 100 volunteers take part in the planning, organization, and implementation of this particular project. As for the tournament itself, a small city is constructed on Gull Lake. Roads are plowed, several large tents are set up to serve as offices, first aid, concessions, and shelters. Colorful flags and a complete outdoor PA system add to the festival atmosphere. Volunteers are expecting to pre drill more than20,000 holes in the ice to accommodate a record crowd this year. Entry to the tournament is $30 for tickets purchased before January 1st and $35 thereafter. Interested persons are encouraged to call 1-800-950-9461 for further information or registration materials. |
Ice Contest Expected
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