By battlefordsNOW

Ice fishing derby not happening this year

Feb 23, 2017 | 6:00 PM

This will be the first February to go by in 20 years without the North Stars Jackfish Lake ice fishing derby.

The derby did not happen this year because of financial reasons, a decision that was voted on by the North Stars board of directors after last year’s derby was not a success.

“We lost money on it last year so we decided as a board not to put it on this year,” North Stars president and governor Troy Slywka said. “The turnout wasn’t what we anticipated and the economy didn’t help and with the prizes being in American dollars, that didn’t [help] either.”

Last year was the derby’s 20th anniversary.

About 800 to 900 people registered, which was lower than previous years.

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Slywka said there are preliminary plans for a new fundraiser for as early as next year, but he wouldn’t say what.

“We’re in the works for something to replace the fish derby in the future,” he said. “It would be for next year if we can get everything planned.”

The derby was a big fundraiser for the team, but Slywka isn’t worried about that lost revenue because of other events the team is putting on.

“The Hall of Fame induction dinner I’m anticipating will be a big fundraiser for us,” he said. “We’ve got some other things in the plans for this year.”

The Saskatchewan Hockey Association’s Hall of Fame induction dinner will be held at the Civic Centre on July 22, 2017.

Nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

@NathanKanter11

by battlefordsNOW

Ice fishing derby not happening this year

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