January/February, 2013 Newsletter
53 YEARS AND COUNTING
I know many of you are wishing for Spring to arrive now that the Christmas and New Years celebrations have come and gone. I can agree with that, but we still have one more winter event to put behind us. It’s hard to believe this year marks our 53rd Annual Chain O’ Lakes Ice Fishing Derby and Winter Festival on February 9th & 10th.
Our 53rd Derby could not possibly happen if it weren’t for many of our N.I.C.C. members who volunteer their time and energy to make this a successful fundraiser. Preparations for ticket sponsors begin well before Halloween, when members contact businesses who are truly generous enough to underwrite the cost of running the derby. Then it’s time to solicit local businesses to place an ad in our information booklet or donate an item for our auction.
Committees are formed for auctions, kids and adult games, fish judging, raffles, ticket and food sales. And, back by popular demand is our Shanty Contest! When auction items are collected, they go to the auction chairperson who places them in the right category. The committee chairs are hard at work in the fall.
A few days before the derby, food, fish judging and the announcer trailer is brought from the club grounds by volunteers to headquarters at Thirsty Turtle on Channel Lake. Then, the big top tent arrives. The energy starts to sore and you surely know, “it is that time of year again.”
If you have never joined us, please do so. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the carnival atmosphere. There will be hourly raffles, games for the children and adults both days. Come watch the fishermen register their catch of the hour inside the tent hoping to win a prize for the smallest or the largest fish. When you get hungry there’s plenty of good food at the Conservation Café inside the “Big Top.” Don’t forget our children’s auction held on Sunday, February 10th at 3:00 pm. The adult auction is next followed by the main raffle.
These tickets are selling for $3 a piece or 2 for $5. Remember, proceeds from this fundraiser helps defray our yearly expenses and also allows us to provide a scholarship to an Antioch Community High School or a Lakes Community High School student. Raffle ticket sales are one of the most important parts of the derby and is how we are able to give back to the community.
Help is needed before, during and after the derby. Prizes, gift certificates are needed for our auction, bucket raffles and fishing winners. If you can help canvas or maybe ask your employer if she/she is interested in donating, we are a not-for-profit organization. You can contact our website.
Our Major ticket sponsors this year are Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge, Antioch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Antioch Chamber of Commerce, Antioch Auto Parts, Kloss Distributing, Co., State Bank of the Lakes and Robinson Wholesale.
ICE SHANTY CONTEST
Here’s an opportunity to win $100. Enter our Ice Shanty Contest. One winner will receive $100. Winner will be announced at headquarters on Sunday, February 10th prior to the auction at (approximately 2:30 pm).
