Area Kids & Teens Enjoy Ice Fishing Derby. Written by Lion Kim Kelly

Westport Lions Roar

By Lion Kim Kelly

Over the last few weeks, the winter weather has been tumultuous but on the Saturday of Family Day Weekend, it couldn’t have been more perfect for the Westport & Athens Lion’s Club’s first kids/youth Ice Fishing Derby on Sand Lake.

The participants, ranging from as young as 3 years old up to 15, bundled up in warm gear and took to the frozen waters in search of their catch.

Event Organizers, Lion Jim McGlade from the Westport Club and Lion Todd Evans from the Athens Club obtained sponsorship from a number of local businesses, including: Norris’ Bait Shop, Smokey’s Bait Shop, the Village Green and Westport Home Hardware, Lucky Strike Lures, Athens Fire Department Christine La Pierre’s Tackle and Todd Evan’s family, as well as the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters, making the prize table a great motivator for the 42 participants to catch “the big one”.

In advance of the event, Lions Members shovelled A LOT of snow to make room for parking and for access to the Club House. On the day-of, Members and Volunteers from Westport and Athens were on site to support the event, including those with ice augers who drilled 21 holes through the 14” thick ice. Members and volunteers also offered assistance to the anglers, measuring their catches, and even helping to bait hooks with minnows generously donated by local businesses.

It was clear that the event was more than just a competition; it was an opportunity for seasoned fishers to share their knowledge and passion with the next generation.

Participants gathered inside the Lion’s Clubhouse for a delicious BBQ of hot dogs, chips, and hot chocolate, prepped and served by Lion’s Members & Volunteers; while the young anglers checked out the prize table to pick out the perfect take-home reminder of their great day on the ice.

The event was a great success, bringing together families, friends, and neighbouring Lions Clubs.

It’s clear that the love of fishing continues to thrive in this community, as young anglers develop skills, create lasting memories, and, most importantly, experience the joy of outdoor recreation.

We can’t wait to do it all over again next year.