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Glen Strandberg
Staff Writer
The history of this event traces back nearly 60 years, but this Saturday will mark the return of an ice fishing contest to Forest Lake.
The first one, sponsored by the VFW in 1949, drew more than 1400 fishermen, who were going for prizes that totaled $500.
On Feb. 16, Ice Hole Productions presents The Forest Lake VFW Post 4210 Fishapalooza Ice Fishing Contest, where prizes are moving past the $175,000 mark, and co-founders Dan Luger and Jim Woods are hoping to see at least 8000 anglers. It’s obvious that not only has the value of the dollar changed, but so has the art of promotion.
“I think it could happen if we get nice weather,” Woods says.
And there’s the ironic twist to Saturday’s event. The fishing contests of yesteryear were cancelled due to mild weather and a lack of quality ice. In 2008, the concerns surround frigid temperatures and too much snow. As of this past Tuesday, the forecast called for a high of 26 and a low of 21 degrees.
Considering the recent run of single and negative digits, Fishapalooza might arrive at the perfect time.
“I think it’s going to be a huge success,” Keith Hegstrom, club manager and adjutant for Post 4210, said. “The community has helped us out so much it’s been unbelievable. This thing is like a little snowball, and it’s just getting bigger and bigger.”
 The efforts of Luger and Woods have not gone unnoticed, as the two Forest Lake residents have churned through countless hours planning and preparing for Feb. 16.
Dan Luger, far left, and Jim Woods, co-founders of the Fishapalooza Ice Fishing Contest, take a breather outside of Forest Lake’s VFW Post 4210.
“I had no idea what to expect,” Luger admits, when asked if this year-long process has been what he and Woods envisioned. “This has basically become a second full-time job for me.”
Woods is in complete agreement, but the two still plan on continuing the new/old tradition in 2009.
To get there, Woods and Luger hope to see a Saturday afternoon that is filled with families, fun, food and fish. The public will be allowed on the ice starting at 9 a.m., with the actual contest going from noon to 3 p.m.
More than 20 vendors will be part of the scene, where sponsors like MarCum and StrikeMaster will hold demonstrations, while Domino’s Pizza, the Lions Food Wagon and Stewies Subs will help keep the huge crowd from going hungry.
Also expected to attend are Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, with Senator Ray Vandeveer likely being one of the participants.
For those taking part in Fishapalooza, they will be targeting first place, which is a Ford F-150, provided by Forest Lake Ford. Incorporated into the giveaways is a clever idea that provides those with smaller fish to win big.
Luger said they will mix up the prizes, so a small fish can still win a major item.
For example, the 104th biggest fish, “which is a pretty small fish,” as Luger puts it, will win the $29,000 Skeeter Fishing Boat.
Parking is available at Eagle Trucking’s 40 acres, at the corner of hwy 97 and 61, as well as Gander Mountain, who has made 250 spots available in its lot. A shuttle bus will transport participants to and from the contest site.
“The excitement is starting to build; you can kinda feel it in the air,” Hegstrom said “A lot of hard work has gone into this. Jim and Dan have been really busting to get everything done.”
While Hegstrom heaped praise on Woods and Luger, those two turned right around and put the focus back on the VFW.
“This is going to raise a lot of money for the charities of the VFW,” Luger said. “This is for the veterans and you’ve got to support them for putting their lives on the line.”
“The whole idea of doing this is to help out the veterans,” Woods added. “It’s for all the people who fought for us over the years, or those who are overseas right now.”
For more information, check www.icefishingforestlake.com.
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