It was a big turnout for the Big Lake Fishing Derby with more than 200 registrations over the weekend.
“The fish caught this year were the biggest we have had in the last several years,” said fishing derby chair Marianne Woods.
The top three winning fish were 2.65 pounds, 2.48 pounds and 1.99 pounds.
“The weather was pretty good overall. We had a Candy Barge floating on the lake throughout the weekend with last minute emergency supplies as well as burgers, hot dogs, chips and, of course, candy.
Beer gardens were set up alongside the lake for those who wanted to share their fishing stories or just sit back and have a cold one.
There was a full house at the dance on Saturday night with local band Run Home Jack. They played their hearts out with all our favourite tunes.
The campgrounds were jam packed with RVs, campers, tents on both the north and south side of the lake.
“We have never seen so many people camped in such tight quarters,” Woods said.
“We really appreciated the determination of so many. We were amazed how clean and tidy all the campgrounds were after the derby weekend. Thank you campers.”
Woods added a special shout out to Gary from Rose Lake who was camping at the south side and stepped in to lend a hand with tent set up, signs and anything that was needed. Also, she thanked Laura Jefferson who graciously stepped in to help out at the start of the dance.
“It was so much appreciated,” Woods said.
“A huge thanks to the Fishing Derby Committee and all the volunteers would helped throughout the weekend working in the registration tent, concession shack, beer gardens and at the dance,” she said.The winner of the Polaris 570 Sportsman ATV draw at this year’s derby was Hattie Darney.“We sold 1,980 ATV tickets over an eight-week time frame,” Woods said. “We had only 20 tickets left. We were just shy of our goal of 2,000 tickets. A huge thanks to all those who bought and sold ATV tickets to support the Big Lake community and a special thanks to Save-On-Foods, Walmart Superstore, BC Livestock Association and the Williams Lake Car Club who let us set up on site and sell tickets. Last but not least the Big Lake Store and Pub who sold dozens of books in their store over the eight-week period.”
All proceeds of the ATV raffle, derby and dance will go toward the building of the new caretaker’s residence.
Woods also thanked all of the event sponsors.
“Without you we would not be able to offer such wonderful cash prizes, give away prizes throughout the weekend and door prizes for the dance. Thank you,” she said.
Results are as follows:
First place adult: Lisa Martin - 2.7 pounds
Second place adult: Tony Moe - 2.5 pounds
Third place adult: Katherine Woods - 2 pounds
Youth first place: Boston Pierce - 1.5 pounds
Youth second place: Lucas Barnes - 1.3 pounds
Youth third place: Gabrielle Pierce - 1.2 pounds
Largest Kokanee: Scarlett Ostrom - .7 pounds
Progressive 50/50 Draw: Ross Woods
Quad Winner: Hattie Darney