Ready, set, fish!
Organizers gear up for LdB Ice Fishing Derby
By Lory Mitton
March 10 will be the long anticipated day of the sixth annual Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby, and as it approaches, residents are coming together to ensure its success.
“It takes a lot of people to pull off an event of this size,” explains derby coordinator Kim Buhay.
As many as 1,100 anglers, of all ages, take part in the derby, hoping their catch will reel in the $10,000 grand prize. With 50 available awards, over $25,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs.
For the near 100 volunteers, the derby is something they look forward to every year.
“It all comes together pretty quick. People are amazing,” Buhay said of the help. “It’s a good vibe out on the ice surface.”
One of the favourite volunteer positions is being in the centre of the action by measuring the fish after they are caught. Since the derby operates on a hidden length and time system, even a small catch could win a big prize. This makes the event ideal not just for seasoned anglers, but for kids and families too.
Those who sell tickets for the ATV raffle also get to be out on the ice, mingling with those fishing.
The day before all the action, Grade 12 students from Lac du Bonnet Senior School drill 1,500 holes in the ice, assisted by a handful of experienced helpers. Others work to set up the hall and the outdoor tent.
“What I really love about the derby is it really brings the community out,” said Marie Hiebert, who has been working closely with Buhay the last few years to coordinate the derby. “It’s like the once-a-year socializing event where the whole community comes out, not just kids or seniors, the whole community, especially those who love the outdoors.”
This will be the third year the derby will grant funding to the different volunteer organizations who participate. So long as the derby makes a profit, the groups that participate will benefit financially.
“When a volunteer gets to an event that’s well organized, it’s a good experience. The volunteers enjoy this event because it’s well run,” Hiebert says. “[Buhay] has created a fantastic event and she’s been an integral part of it.”
Six months of planning goes into the event and each aspect of the day is well thought out.
“The only thing we can’t control is the elements,” Hiebert told The Clipper Weekly.
Previous participants can attest to that. One year, the weather was so warm and sunny that those on the ice were taking their coats off.
Another year, the gusting winds of a snow storm blew through the night before the derby.
The warmer weather this winter delayed the thickening of the ice on the Winnipeg River, but Buhay says the average thickness is now 18 inches and the derby will go ahead as planned.
“Any large scale outdoor event always has its challenges, but we feel that after five years of past successful events, the organizing committee has managed to overcome the many challenges that mother nature has dealt. We plan for the worst and hope for the best,” Buhay said.
A new rule change for this year will allow portable tents in the event of inclement weather conditions. This decision will be made at the discretion of the organizers and posted on the derby web site 48 hours prior.
Also new this year, QX104 Radio morning host Brody Jackson will be at the event site and prize ceremonies to announce winners.
To get involved, please contact Buhay 345-8194 or Hiebert 345-2841.
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