Submitted
Monday, February 10 marks B.C.’s second Family Day. To celebrate, bring your family to Horseshoe Lake from 10 am - 3 pm for a day of Kootenay outdoor festivities. The Family Fishing Derby for Kids with Cancer is being held for its fifth year and is a local fundraiser to help families across the entire Kootenay area.
The main attraction is the ice fishing derby which has reeled in crowds of up to 1,500 to compete for the first prize fishing boat and trailer, generously donated by FabRite Services. There is also a 50/50 draw, door prizes, silent auction, and hot chili at the event. For the kids, there are toboggan races, ice bowling, snow painting, tug-o-war, toboggan decorating, and hockey with the Kimberley Dynamiters. New this year, there is also a supervised Morrison shooting gallery. Designed for the whole family, you can even bring your furry family members (on leash) to compete in the best dressed dog contest.
As a special bonus, for the fourth consecutive year, the Family Fishing Derby and Dacota Freight will be drawing the name of one child with cancer and their family to go to Disneyland with $1,000 spending money. All of the other funds raised are distributed as emergency aid.
In true Kootenay fashion, this event is about families helping families through outdoor fun. By buying a ticket you get to take part in the many great activities all while helping local children in need. Plus, there are great prizes! Caliper Machine & Hydraulics Ltd. donated a flat screen T.V. and PlayStation for the kids’ biggest prize, and Jays Jewellers in Fernie donated a ¾ carat diamond white gold bracelet worth $2400 for the silent auction. Kootenay communities are unique in that the businesses, organizations, and volunteers go above and beyond with their support, and the Family Fishing Derby is incredibly thankful for all involved. There is no better way to celebrate B.C. Family Day!
Tickets are at Mountain Man Outdoors and Barber’s on Ninth in Cranbrook, at the Kimberly Chamber of Commerce, and at Extra Foods in Fernie. Tickets are just $10 for adults, and $5 for children and seniors; everyone must show a ticket to participate in any of the activities. Fishing licenses are required only for those older than 16 years. For more information or to help sponsor the event, please contact organizer Shane Westle at 250-919-4321 or at familyfishingderby@gmail.com.