After years of evading the throngs of anglers hoping to snag her, Millie finally succumbed to the bait of eleven year old Janelle Jacobs, who was a new contestant to the event. Bragging rights were sufficient for Janelle, who graciously returned a grateful fish to the pond after the requisite photos were taken. With that approach, she will be welcome back next year by both her targets and competitors alike. Many other participants also earned prizes, securing one of the more than 200 speckled trout recently placed in the pond.
This year’s event was scheduled two weeks later than in years past, and 110 young anglers participated in this popular event, down slightly from last year despite more favourable temperatures and no ice barriers to overcome while casting. The local Lions have been organizing the event for more than 20 years, having assumed responsibility from the local Legion group.
Contestants chose their fishing spot strategically, those with a social orientation huddling in groups along the water’s edge and more focussed competitors finding a peaceful, secluded spot where they could focus their efforts on the perfect cast.
While the Lions organize this event, provide food and some of the many prizes provided at the event, they are grateful for the broad community support this event garners each year from local businesses and organizations who donate a wide variety of prizes to ensure that each contestant walks away with something, if not a catch. More than 40 prize donors provided items to support this popular event. For more information about the Millbrook & District Lions Club, visit their website at http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/millbrookon. KG
