Those who enjoy fishing could win over $2,500 worth of prizes this weekend at a fishing derby fundraiser in McLeese Lake.
Family and friends are welcome to fish from shore or by boat and compete for the biggest catch in the lake. The event is organized by Stephan Gauthier who moved to McLeese Lake in 2019 and was surprised to find the town hasn’t had a fishing derby for almost 10 years. When he began volunteering for the Mcleese Lake Recreation Commission (MLRC), Gauthier set out to bring the fishing derby back to town.
“What we’re doing is trying to raise some money that allows us to do activities for children, like during Christmas time we have a Christmas supper,” Gauthier said. Participating in the derby will cost $10 per adult or $20 for a family of up to five. The proceeds will go to the commission, which helps fund community activities such as haunted houses for Halloween and Easter egg hunts.
Only 30 minutes north of Williams Lake, McLeese Lake is known for its natural beauty, Gauthier said. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and boasts northern pikeminnow, white sucker and kokanee fish in its depths. Children who catch one of these first two fish at the derby could win a special draw prize, while catching the biggest kokanee will grant the winner $250. These are just some of the prizes offered at the event, which will also award $250 for the biggest rainbow fish catch.
Gauthier said he is “just a volunteer helping out the real fighters.” Along with the fishing derby, he is helping to sell 50/50 tickets to raise money for both the commission and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Williams Lake. Belinda March also volunteers with the MLRC and said volunteers from the local fire department are also be participating in the event's planning.
“If I was by myself nothing would go about, I’m the organizer but we do have a team of volunteers that’s incredible.” Gauthier said the fishing derby is another way to bring attention to the town, which is trying to raise funds to build a fire hall for the area. The local fire department, which has only trucks and no hall, is also heavily involved in organizing events for local children and has several volunteers helping with the fishing derby.
If you want to help at this weekend's event or sign up to participate you can contact Stephan Gauthier at 250-297-6006.
