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Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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Sheriff: Fest is 'a go'
Outdoors Editor
Ice depth was checked Tuesday in three locations on Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay. When the measuring was done, the words ice fishing contestants around the nation waited to hear were voiced by Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl.
"Looks like it's a go," Dahl said after ice depths of 15-3/4 inches and 17 inches were found.
So gather your boots and mittens, round up the tackle and refreshments and prepare to take part in the 17th annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Contest hours are noon-3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets ($45) are selling fast and the Jaycees expect a near-record turnout. Tickets will remain on sale at Brainerd area retailers and on the ice up to the start of the contest.
Motorists asked to use caution during contest
Motorists traveling northbound and southbound Saturday on Highway 371 should be alert to lane closures in the area of Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay and the Brainerd International Raceway during the 17th annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced.
Contest participants and spectators are encouraged to use the shuttle service, which is provided from BIR north of Baxter. Highway 371 traffic will be single lane at Gull Lake to allow for a shuttle bus/vehicle drop-off site. Law enforcement will control traffic in the area. MnDOT urges motorists to drive with caution, watch for signs and be prepared for sudden stops.
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"We have safe ice and everyone is looking for something to do outdoors," said Taylor Fitterer, Jaycees chairman. "This could be a big year for our charities. With the mild winter we've had, our community needs this event to boost the economy. We are all excited that it will take place as planned."
Dahl said the official permit for the contest will be issued Wednesday by Sgt. Phil Stoll, Crow Wing County sheriff's boat and water supervisor. This comes 24 hours earlier than in 2006, when the contest was moved to Round Lake due to thin ice on Gull. Below-zero temperatures earlier this week firmed up ice on the lake, and Tuesday's 17-inch measurement was found in the best possible location - where the stage will be set and where many of the 10,000-plus contestants will congregate at day's end.
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Taylor Fitterer (right), chairperson of the 2007 Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza, drilled a hole as Todd Dahl, Crow Wing County sheriff, looked on. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
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Contestants will have more than 20,000 holes to choose from within a 250-acre area of Hole in the Day Bay. More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs, including a new Ford truck for the largest fish, $10,000 cash for the 100th place fish and a Suzuki ATV for 150th place. Any size and species caught will be accepted for weigh-in.
In 17 years, the contest has raised nearly $2 million for Minnesota charities. More than 11,000 anglers took part in last year's event, raising $200,000. Confidence Learning Center, an outdoor education and recreation facility for people with developmental disabilities, will get 70 percent of this year's proceeds, with the remaining dollars being distributed to a variety of nonprofit organizations.
The weekend begins Friday with the Extravaganza Kick-off Party at Grand View Lodge. Pro anglers and industry sponsors will be on hand to share fishing tips. Tickets are available at the door.
For complete Extravaganza information, go to www.icefishing.org.
VINCE MEYER can be reached at vince.meyer@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5862.
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