Mark your calendars for Monday, February 9th as the Family Fishing Derby for Kids with Cancer will be back for its sixth year this BC Family Day. Held near Fort Steele at Horseshoe Lake, the annual Derby has become a Kootenay tradition, bringing together communities and families from Cranbrook, Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere, Jaffray, Kimberley and Trail.
Uniquely “Kootenay,” this event keeps the whole family entertained with ice fishing, tobogganing, hockey, and plenty of kids’ games including snow painting, tug-o-war and ice jug bowling. There are also contests for Best Dressed Dog and Best Dressed Toboggan, as well as door prizes, a 50/50 draw and a silent auction. In past years, over 1,800 people have participated for top prizes valued at $2,000 and to show their support for local families in need.
More than just a fun event, the Derby is a grass-roots fundraiser supported by local businesses, media, volunteers and service clubs to help children battling cancer. Proceeds are distributed by the Canadian Cancer Society to help families with financial support, travelling to treatment, accommodation, wigs, cancer information and peer support.
The Society also operates Camp Goodtimes, a medically-supervised fun summer camp for children with cancer.
Thanks to the generous support of local businesses, the Derby also supports local children facing cancer enjoy a much deserved vacation from treatment. Dacota Freight sponsors a Disneyland vacation and Sunshine Houseboats sponsors a houseboat vacation on Lake Koocanusa.
Children facing cancer from all across the Kootenays will be entered into a draw for these two trips. To ensure your family is entered, please contact the event organizers.
Tickets for the Family Fishing Derby are available in Invermere at Local View Printing and Design as well as at Fort Steele Store and Gas Station or online at https://eastkootenay.snapd.com Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. Everyone needs a ticket to participate in the event. We hope to see you Family Day at Horseshoe Lake!
By Jenny Byford with the Family Fishing Derby