Breaking News - Posted: 1/24/03

FL ice fishing contest on Feb. 1 is canceled

After further review and consideration of ice conditions, the Hopkins Jaycees, organizers of the Golden Rainbow Ice Fishing Contest on Forest Lake, announced Friday the 2003 contest slated for Saturday, Feb. 1 has been canceled.

ìThis (decision) is in consideration of the existing ice conditions, not only on Forest Lake, but on all metro area lakes,î said Jason Gadd, event chair. In making the decision, Gadd said the Jaycees wanted to put safety above all else even though canceling the contest for the second time in two years puts a financial burden on the non-profit organization.

Refunds will be made for tickets already purchased for the 2003 contest and to those holding tickets from the 2002 contest. To request a refund, all tickets must be mailed with a self-addressed envelope to: Golden Rainbow Ice Fishing Contest Refund, P.O. Box 220, Hopkins, MN 55343.

Tickets must be received no later than Feb. 8, 2003.

The contest annually draws about 8000 people who fish for prizes that are part of a $125,000 prize package. Proceeds raised from the contest go back into the communities of Forest Lake and Hopkins through the Jaycee programs. With open water on First Lake, the contest would not have taken place on the ice this year on Feb. 1 and any backup date was in jeopardy.

For the past week the Jaycees have prepared plans for an alternate contest. The plan was to allow contestants use all area lakes and have the contest staging area at Northland Mall in Forest Lake. For more on the new developments, go to the website: www.forestlakeicefishing.com, or call the hotline at 952-903-4903.

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