PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Scott Thell

The Somerset Youth Athletic Association announces the 4^th annual

 Bass Lake Ice Fishing Contest sponsored by Gander Mountain

  Somerset, WI January 7^th 2007 – Four years ago a casual conversation about the continually escalating fees charged to participate in local team sports, and the inability of some families to afford them, led to the formation of the Somerset Youth Athletic Association.  The Association, made up of local business owners, coaches and concerned parents came up with the idea to hold an ice fishing contest.  The contest not only raises badly needed funds it also provides the opportunity for many people to experience ice fishing for the first time, in a fun and exciting way.   Annually the event requires the help of over 300 volunteers assisting with everything from planning to drilling holes, from cooking and snow plowing to clean up. Since that first year thousands of dollars have been raised and 100% of the profits are given back to the community benefiting groups from beginning girl’s softball to the high school football program.  

  This year’s contest scheduled for February 23^rd promises to be bigger and better than ever with well over $50,000 in prizes to be awarded.  Again this year we will be awarding prizes for the top fifty fish.  With a grand prize of a new 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Pickup this is definetly not your average neihborhood contest, other prizes include ice augers, tree stands, underwater cameras, fish locators, shelters and adventure vacation trips.  In 2006 the Gander Mountain Corperation came on board as our title sponsor.  In an era of faceless big box retailers Gander Mountain has gone above and beyond to demonstrate a true spirit of community participation. This year many more major corporations have stepped up to the plate including; Marcum, Eskimo, Frabill, Ameristep, Snosuit, Willcraft, Outdoor Expeditions and more.  The entry fee for adults is $30.00 per hole, per Wisconsin law entrants are allowed to fish up to three holes each.

  In attempt to further promote the family atmosphere of this event we have a juniors division where youth under the age of fifteen compete against each other to win some really cool prizes. The entry fee for this division is $10.00. First and second place in the youth division will receive Nintendo Wii game systems, third and fourth place winners are awarded Apple Ipods while fifth through tenth place will receive Air Soft guns. 

  In addition to all the great prizes given away for catching fish, there are on ice raffles held continually throughout the contest for things like compound bows, augers, hunting clothing, fishing equipment and even cash. 

  The contest will once again be held on Bass Lake in Somerset, Wisconsin from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.with pre-registration to begin at 9:00 a.m. Food and beverage concessions including beer sales will be available on the ice.

  This is truly a family friendly event offering fun for all ages. Mike Kurre of Kfan radio will again be our emcee and master of ceramonies.  February 23^rd join us on the ice of Bass Lake for the Somerset Youth Athletic Associations 4^th annual ice fishing contest, even if you’ve never been ice fishing before you could win some great prizes and if not you’re guaranteed a really great time. For complete details, rules and directions please visit our website at “www.icetourney.com”

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