The Alameda Fishing Derby celebrated a milestone on Saturday, June 25, with their 20th annual derby held.
Coming out to enjoy the day included anglers of all ages: a total of 278 adults and 56 youth (12 and under) enjoyed the day.
One of the organizers Darin McNabb explained, “The day started at 6 am with pancake and sausage breakfast sponsored by Prairie Pride Credit Union. Boats headed out fishing at 8 am after inspections from a Saskatchewan environment officer to protect our lakes from zebra mussels ensuring future generation have the same fisheries we enjoy today.”
“As it does in Saskatchewan the wind picked up but most fisher people stayed out there bringing in lots of fish to weigh all the while Bamboo Shoots film crews caught all the action for an upcoming episode on Max TV. Derby volunteers did a great job getting all the boats loaded safely and off to the rink for supper and prizes.”
Following the day on the lake everyone came together for a meal and to enjoy an evening supporting the Alameda Recreation Board which focuses support on minor ball, minor hockey, figure skating, curling, and all facilities associated.
“Supper was sponsored by Alameda Agencies and Davis Meats and was served by the figure skating club and minor hockey,” McNabb explained.
The evening also included a Chinese auction, a silent auction, and a 20th anniversary hat auction. The silent auction included a garden cart sponsored by Alameda Agencies, an art print sponsored by the Wildlife Federation, laser therapy sponsored by Imagine Laser Works, the bike was sponsored by Dr. Lynn Wood, and the floating island was sponsored by the McNabb family.
They also hosted a 20th anniversary hat auction where 12 numbered hats were auctioned off. As people purchased these hats they then entered into an elimination draw. Trent and Carolyn Walls were the last standing with hat 7 of 12 making them the winner of the major prize of a patio set, gazebo and propane fire pit sponsored by Prairie Pride Credit Union.
“Events were concluded and everyone was kept hydrated by the bar crew from the curling club,” McNabb said of the continued entertainment throughout the evening, adding, “early bird winners were presented their prizes sponsored by Magnascope Services Ltd. [winners were Brady Merkley and Braylee Hildebrandt] and Souris Moose Creek Wildlife Federation.”
There was also a special draw in memory of Harvey Wood. All entries from people who weighed fish were required to write what type and colour of hook they used in order to enter, a question McNabb says Harvey would ask anyone who caught fish. Cash prizes were handed out for largest fish and door prizes followed. The night ended with the Davis Meats Gift Certificate raffle sponsored by ID Electric.
The winners for the day were Ken Valentine 19.245 lbs, Ralph Smart 17.58 lbs, Glenn Zimmerman 13.995 lbs, Don Norbert 13.60 lbs, Rene Sefin 12.435 lbs, Jim Howard 11.975 lbs, Gordon Wilkes 9.785 lbs, and Dustin White 9.51 lbs. Youth winners included Joseph Marcil 3.055 lbs, Rhyla Hildebrandt 2.630 lbs, Jaslyn McNabb 2.140 lbs, and Jacob Buchanan 1.735 lbs.
“The Alameda Fish Derby thanks all fishers, volunteers and sponsors for a wonderful day to support the recreation board ensuring all our facilities operate successfully today and in the future,” McNabb said. “The fish derby committee volunteers and the support of all the rec groups was important to the day.”
He added that Minor Ball members did double duty as they assisted with the Fish Derby and hosted a double header in town for the AAA Bantam Boys team.
