The sun was shining, the clouds were hanging overhead casting shadows, while a cool breeze blew in from the water at Moose Creek Regional Park, but the fish were biting and people were signing up for a chance to win a number of prizes at Alameda Community Rink's 17th Annual Fishing Derby and Supper.
The day began with eager fishing enthusiasts lining up between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. to both launch their boats and enjoy a pancake breakfast. Everyone preparing for their shotgun start as a flare was let off at 8 a.m. sharp. Engines revved and boats were away to their favourite spots in search of "the big one."
Not only was the event attended by those living in the immediate area, but people from North Dakota, across Saskatchewan, into Manitoba, and even as far as Alaska partook in the fun.
An hour into the fishing and the first Northern Pikes were brought to shore to be weighed. Dylan Fry brought in the first youth fish with a weight of 2.95 lbs. While the first fish brought in by an adult, Carmen Howells, was quite the catch at 13.85 lbs and measuring 39.75 inches. It would in fact go on to win both the heaviest fish and the longest. First place in the youth category went to Keegan Wahl with a catch of 7.65 lbs.
As fishing continued the numbers of participants eventually grew to include 312 adults and 77 youth enjoying the day.
"That'd be our biggest by far!" exclaimed Darryl Davis, president of the fish derby. "A thank you to all the people who helped and supported us this year."
The day then coalesced with the annual supper, which was cooked by the Oxbow Lions this year. All enjoyed the roast beef meal and were very excited to discover the winners from the day. In all there were eight prizes ranging from $250 to $2,000 for heaviest Northern Pike caught by an adult, while six youth prizes ranged from $50 to $200.
While the adult early bird draw of an iPad, donated by Mayco Well Servicing, went to Bill Davis. Youth early bird draw prizes of bicycles, donated by Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation, went to Kiera Rutten and Cody Davis.
Each youth was also guaranteed a door prize, while many door prizes were won by adults as well. The event has grown greatly since the beginning with organizers explaining they were once able to accommodate door prizes for everyone, but now they are unable to keep up with donated door prizes because of the success of the event and the support from Alameda and surrounding communities.
Organizers are unsure of their total fundraised throughout the day at the moment, but an estimate of around $25,000 is expected says Darin McNabb, one of the organizers, after expenses are paid.
"All funds raised go to the Alameda Rec Facility Board and is the major fundraiser for the year," McNabb explained.
This year McNabb says the funds will be going towards kitchen renovations in the Alameda Rink.
Overall the Alameda Rec Facility Board works closely in the community to ensure quality recreational activities from working in the ball diamonds to the rink and much more.
