March 12, 2009

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge results

Temperatures hovered in the mid teens, but that wasn't too cold for about 140 who turned out to enjoy a sunny day of winter sports at the Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge at Scenic State Park on Saturday, Feb. 28.

Clam Team True Blue ice fishing professionals gave an on-ice fishing clinic to kids and their parents, demonstrating some of the latest techniques and equipment. Jada Tendrup of Bigfork won the Strikemaster Mag2000 ice auger drawing during the family ice fishing derby. Participants also took home items donated by Clam Corporation, Strikemaster and Vexilar.

Winner of the 4.5 mile classic cross country ski loppet was Afton Snyder of Grand Rapids. Zak Beaudet of Richfield came in second and Jon Morene of Richfield was third. Each won a prize donated by Itasca Trail Sports and an annual Minnesota state parks vehicle pass.

Participants enjoyed a snowshoeing workshops led by Wanda Bunes of the Forest History Center and a winter survival workshop led by Randy Patten, conservation officer with the Department of Natural Resources. A chili meal and s'mores toasted over a roaring fire in the lodge fireplace warmed participants before the Scenic State Park annual Candlelight Ski.

The Bigfork Food Shelf will receive $210.50 from proceeds of the Bigfork Valley Foundation raffle. Winners included: Dale Klebs, Bigfork and Greg Anselmo, Bigfork, Clam ice fishing shelters; Vince Holsman, Bigfork, gift certificate from Antler Motel; Sue Pearson, Nashwauk, gift certificate from Jacobson Hardware; Diane Sievers, Deer River, gift card from L&M; Dan Koenig, Marcell, and Carol Mills, Bigfork, gift certificates from Timberwolf Inn; Libby Bentou, Grand Rapids, Minnesota state parks vehicle pass; Vince Holsman, Bigfork, Don Vanderbeek, Spooner, Wis., Tracy Bergland, Grand Rapids, Joy Anderson, Bigfork, and Sue Alzen, Talmoon, gift certificates from Scenic Pines Bar and Grill.

The Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge was sponsored as a community health initiative by Bigfork Valley, Scenic State Park and the Bigfork Valley Foundation.