Hundreds will soon gather on Medicine Lake for the Holes for Heroes Ice Fishing Tournament—a fun ice fishing contest honoring members of the Armed Forces who have served our country, and their families who have sacrificed along with them. In addition to fishing, there are prizes, food and fun activities for kids at the event. Sponsored by Timber Ghost Realty, it is one of many events from the organization Fishing For Life.
“It is our sixth year of our event. I’m surprised by the success of it. We’re very fortunate. We really feel like we hit on something,” says Tom Goodrich, executive director of Fishing for Life, which is based in Minneapolis. “It’s been so popular we also have one at White Bear Lake this year. ‘One great event, two great locations,’ is what we’ve been saying this year.”
Goodrich was an Army captain in Afghanistan, and returned to Minnesota in April 2004 with the rank of major and a Bronze Star. It was then that he came up with the idea of Fishing for Life, which has served kids, families and communities through fishing and outdoor programs for more than 10 years.
One special feature of the event is the “Hole of Honor” where military families with deployed soldiers can ice fish for free while being linked via video to their loved one. The family can also win a prize if they catch a fish while fishing there.
“There are plenty of ways to win,” Goodman says. “It’s always upbeat and gets people in the spirit of the military.”
Fun for All Ages
There are activities for everyone at this event on Medicine Lake.
Holes For Heroes
February 4, Medicine Lake, 1 -4 p.m. February 11, White Bear Lake, 1 -4 p.m.
Free entry for veterans and military families. Non-military members, advance registration costs $10, and registration the day of the contest is $15. Registration and more information available at the website here.
