by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — Muskrat Lake was covered with more than snow and ice, as more than 1,300 fishermen participated in the annual Cobden Civitan Ice Fishing Derby.
There were just over 1,200 adults and 145 children, said Civitan Chantelle Cartman.
“It was another huge success,” she said. “It just keeps growing. We had 1,100 last year and 70 kids. This year we doubled the number of kids.”
She also noted it was an “excellent day” weatherwise.
There were cash prizes, as well as eight other prizes to be won in the derby, along with more than 250 door prizes, she said.
The grand prize of the boat and motor from Dick Plummer Marine in Pembroke was Tyler Hoelke from the Mink Lake area. Tanaya Pear of Cobden won the Las Vegas trip, which was sponsored by Travel Only in Pembroke.
Derek Raymond of Eganville won four 100-level seats for an Ottawa Senators game, including valet parking from Harrington Mechanical; while Shawn Sandrelli won an ice auger donated by Al’s Bait and Tackle Shop in Pembroke and Miranda Mulligan of Cobden won the ice auger donated by Gourleys Outdoors in Renfrew.
Phil Deadmon of Whitney won the two-person ice shack donated by Dreas Barbershop in Petawawa while Braden Bulmer of Cobden won the Hummingbird Flasher donated by Brokerlink & Grenville Mutual in Renfrew.
Nick Solojew won the four-wheel ATV donated by Lepines in Chapeau.
Fish Winners
Trout: Kevin McNeill, Pembroke, 31”; Brandon Reckzin, Petawawa, 30 5/8”; Shane Audette, Pembroke, 30”
Perch: Jacob Kramer, Richmond, 12 ¼”; Jarin Knox, Renfrew, 11 ¾”; Gary Irving, Renfrew, 11 5/8”
Pike: Ken Burger, Petawawa, 29.5”; Brad Dejong, Arnprior, 28.5”; Jessie McRae, Ottawa, 27.5”
Longest overall for the day: Kevin McNeill, Pembroke, 31” Trout
Boys: Aiden Carl, 26”; Oden Donohue, 25 5/8”; Matthew Burger, 24.5”
Girls: Leah Ruxton, 22 1/8”; Abby Wiggins, 22”; ad Avery Irving, 19.5”
Ms. Cartman noted while it’s great to see the fishermen out on the ice, this is an event that couldn’t happen without the volunteers. There were about 40, including 30 from the club, as well as Doug Shields and his crew at the Chip Pit.
However, the township and agricultural society also helps, she added, as well as the organization Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire and the auxiliary police. Local businesses donate and sponsor prizes, she said, noting there were more than 250 door prizes donated.
“This is a real, big community event,” Ms. Cartman said. “It’s amazing how something like this brings the community together.”
The tournament will again be held the first Saturday in February in 2019 – Mark your calendars.
Money to Community
Ms. Cartman noted it’s not only the Civitan Club that benefits from this event.
A $1,000 cheque was presented to Hospice Renfrew and many people and organizations also benefit, she said. The club donates to people in need in the community, various organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, children’s events, and helped to bring Scouting back to the area.
