Pattison Media's own, Deana Drinkwater, tags a massive pike at Tobin Lake on Monday during the 2024 rendition of the Nipawin Media Day. (submitted photo/Deana Drinkwater)

By Ben Tompkins

NIPAWIN GREAT NORTHERN PIKE FESTIVAL

Pike tagged for annual Nipawin festival

Jun 4, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The 2024 rendition of the Nipawin Media Day has come and gone, as media members from across the province were treated to a weekend in Nipawin.

On Sunday, a complimentary 18 holes were provided at the Evergreen Golf Course, followed by an amazing steak dinner at Venice House.

Evergreen Golf Course in Nipawin (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

Then on Monday, the most important part of the event was held, as pike were tagged out at Tobin Lake, ahead of the 53rd annual Nipawin Great Northern Pike Festival.

“We tagged the majority of the fish, which is great, and the assistance of the media is always appreciated,” explained promotions coordinator Sherry Hildebaugh.

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“We truly appreciate the media and what you do for us as communities in Saskatchewan, you keep our communities alive, so having a variety from all of the different major media outlets in the province was just absolutely great. We appreciate you coming and we say thank you by hosting these media days.”

The Nipawin Pike Festival runs every year from Father’s Day until September 30th.

A total of 40 pike are tagged in Tobin and Codette Lake, each with a corresponding number that represents a specific prize.

Tobin Lake (Ben Tompkins/northeastNOW)

Prizes range from a fishing trip or $5,000, to a variety of gifts from different local businesses and sponsors, and other monetary values (15 counts of $1,000, $250 for every fish after that, and $100 for fish tagged in previous years).

“Every year, our entrances vary, sometimes they go from 500-600 during COVID up to over 2000, so it’s a lot of fun. Just the idea of if you’re fishing Tobin anyway or you just want to come in and put your name in for some draws for some prizes, five dollars is all it takes, and you could win some pretty healthy prizes,” Hildebaugh added.

“Always remember, it’s a live release festival, so clip the tag, measure the fish, if you get a picture we’d love it and then live release the fish.”

The festival is a long-standing tradition for some, as is the case for the Miazga family.

Kris Miazga was a ‘boat captain’ for the second straight year this year. His dad was the first to catch the $5,000 fish all those years ago and Kris was able to bring his 13-year-old son with him this year, as it’s now become a third-generation ordeal.

“Kris is a sponsor based out of the Saskatoon-Martensville area and we really appreciate people like him who come home and contribute to the communities they grew up in. Having a sponsor like him come forward for our provincial media day, we just truly appreciate it,” concluded Hildebaugh.

“It’s also definitely cool to see his son come along and get involved as a third-generation Miazga, hopefully, for years to come.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X @BenTompkins_8