Seven years, seven lakes, ice-fishing derby next weekend

ST. AGATHA - Seven might be the lucky number for fishing enthusiasts from all over the St. John Valley, Aroostook County, and beyond who will be converging on seven area lakes for the seventh annual Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby next weekend, Jan. 28 and 29.

Organizing committee chair Paul Bernier says that when he and a few other members of the rod and gun club came up with the idea to host the derby about eight years ago, they looked to build a formula for success. The original organizers contacted the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund administered by Northern Maine Medical Center and adopted the charitable organization for their event.

"To be successful, we needed a good cause," explained Bernier. "That's why we went with the cancer fund. Over the first six years of the derby, we've given over $20,000 to the fund."

Each year, the derby raises monies from registrations and sponsorships and donates a portion of the proceeds to the Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund. The Fund helps local families with the financial burden of traveling to treatments, including by Angel Flights, and also assists with other related costs for those struggling with or who have a family member struggling with cancer. The remaining money raised in the derby is put towards funding the following year's event.

A small group of volunteers see to the success of the derby, which in its first year had just 290 registrants. Over time, however, interest in the derby has grown and Bernier hopes to see the trend continue.

"Last year we had 578 registrants," said Bernier. "The $11,500 we made from registrations alone covered the purse, and then in sponsorship funds we were just shy of $8,000."

The purse is a big draw for derby participants. This year, derby organizers are offering over $10,000 in cash and prizes to winners over several categories including for salmon, togue, and brook trout in both adult and youth divisions. There is also a Muskie category that was introduced a few years ago with the addition of Glazier and Beau Lakes to the line-up of fishing locations. For a complete list of rules, registration and weigh stations, categories and prizes, please visit the Long Lake Ice Fishing derby website at http://www.stagatha.com/derby.html.

Sponsorship for the event comes mostly from local businesses said Bernier. In an average year, between 40 and 50 businesses offer their support in amounts ranging from $25 to $1000. The organization committee begins to solicit sponsorships in September.

"Just this year we have over 20 brand new sponsors," said Bernier.

Planning for the event begins in earnest in September, by which time Bernier says he has usually secured the permit to host it. A core group of 8 to 10 people attend monthly meetings in preparation for the derby. During derby weekend, however, there are four key people who run the show besides Bernier, Chris Haskins, St. Agatha Town Manager Christy Sirois, Amy Ouellette, and former St. Agatha Town Manager Ryan Pelletier.

The Long Lake Sporting Club in Sinclair serves as the base camp for the operation. There, the restaurant offers food and drinks for purchase, and derby clothing is on sale. Organizers field phone calls from the ice and track potential winning fish.

"Ken Martin is very generous as far as letting us use his space," said Bernier.

The event is open to all registrants. It costs $15 per day or $25 for the weekend for ages 14 and older. Ages 13 and under pay $5 per day to participate. Bernier says that about three-quarters of participants are from the Valley, but that people have traveled from as far away as New Hampshire and Massachusetts to take part in the derby. No matter how far away people travel to attend, though, Bernier says the event has always been about family.

"We love the kids. It's a family event," said Bernier. "There's nothing that pleases us more than seeing a young child come in with a big smile on his face. It's all about that."

For more information, please visit the derby website by clicking on the link provided above, or contact Paul Bernier at 227-5252.