The Brechin and District Lions Club is offering a day of family fun on Lake Simcoe Saturday.
The fourth annual Lake Simcoe Ice Fishing Derby begins tomorrow at 7 a.m. with registration happening at Brechin Point Ice Hut Rentals. Fishing licences are not required tomorrow for those participating.
"We are trying to get people who haven't fished before in the derby," said organizer Derrick Patrick. "We want to introduce them to the sport and show them how much fun it is."
Last year, the derby saw 115 participants and raised $11,000 for the Lions Club. Patrick says money raised will be used for helping local families and schools in the Township of Ramara, as well as Mariposa House Hospice, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, and local sporting organizations.
"People are in need," he said. "The prices of rent and food have skyrocketed since COVID and wages aren't keeping up. People are hurting and there is no money left at the end of a pay cheque."
Patrick hopes over 100 people will attend this year's derby despite a warm start to the ice fishing season.
"There is lots of ice out there now," he said. "You still have to use your common sense and check with the local hut operators who will let you know where to go."
Patrick says people from London, Bancroft, and Hamilton are all making the trip to take part in the derby tomorrow.
"There isn't many of these derbies going on anymore," he said. "The people who come really enjoy it and they always come back."
There are lots of prizes up for grabs this year, including $1,500 in cash for the biggest catch of the day. Weigh-ins take place at Brechin Point Ice Hut Rentals at 5 p.m.
Registration for the event costs $45 which includes dinner at Lagoon City Pier One at 6 p.m., and a guaranteed door prize.
"You get your money back and you have a good time," Patrick explained. "You'll feel good about doing it."
