ALEXANDRIA – After canceling last year’s event because of COVID-19, organizers of the Fishing for the Cure are excited to once again host the annual event.
The Alexandria Industries’ 15th annual Ice Fishing Tournament will take place Saturday, Feb. 19, on Smith Lake. The tournament starts at noon and will end at 3 p.m.
Inspired by a small group of Alexandria Industries employees, the Fishing for the Cure is about everyday people making a difference in the fight against cancer as money raised from the event is donated to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, according to Patty Hoffman from Alexandria Industries.
This year’s fundraising goal is $85,000.
“Without the generous and enormous support we receive from many people and organizations, we would not be able to raise the large amount of money we do to help find a cure for cancer,” said Hoffman.
The Fishing for the Cure event has generated about $400,000 in donations since it began. At its first event, which took place in 2007, there were 112 people who fished and $620 was raised.
During the 2020 event, 1,436 people participated in the tournament, including 180 children aged 12 and younger. That event raised $75,000 for the Relay for Life.
Hoffman also gave a shout out to all the sponsors and volunteers who help to make the event possible.
“We want to give a huge thank you from the event committee,” she said. “We have 103 sponsors and are adding more nearly every day. And we have approximately 80 people who volunteer to support and work the event.”
Prizes will be awarded for the top 100 fish by largest weight and time registered in two categories:
In the event of a tie, the first fish registered will take priority. Special prizes will be given to all kids 12 and under who are entered in the tournament. The tournament does allow fish house shelters and participants can fish anywhere on Smith Lake. Participants also must adhere to all Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations.
There will also be a raffle drawing, but raffle ticket holders do not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets can be purchased at Alexandria Industries, Elden’s Fresh Foods, Christopherson Bait, Paul’s Small Engine and the Osakis General Store.
All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Tickets for the Fishing for the Cure Ice Fishing Tournament can be purchased in advance at Alexandria Industries, Elden’s Fresh Foods, Christopherson Bait, Paul’s Small Engine, Osakis General Store or online at fishingforthecure.net. Tickets will also be available on Smith Lake the day of the event.