Get your rods and reels ready Columbia Valley, as the 13th Annual Fishing Derby is set to take place on Saturday (January 26) on Lake Windermere.

The ever-popular fishing derby drew approximately 90 people out onto the frozen lake last year, all of them dedicated to landing the “big one.” Okay, not everyone was out to win the event, which is what makes the derby such a popular contest. What other competition do you know of that requires you to hang out and fish for the whole day, and even rewards you for the smallest catch of the day?

This year’s event, as with previous derbies, is sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of the Windermere Valley, and will be hosted by the new Station Neighbourhood Pub. Josh Page, a partner of The Station Pub, said that registration for the event begins at 8 a.m. at the pub, with fishing taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost to participate is $35 and there is a plethora of prizes for different age groups and fish sizes.

The grand prize for the event is $500, with second taking home $300 and $200 for third, although the prize amounts could vary depending on the number of participants.

“It’s always super busy down here during the event,” Page said, who is excited to be front and centre for the festivities this year. “It’s an awesome event because it gets people out in the winter to enjoy the great outdoors. We will be raffling off an ice auger throughout the day.”

Prizes and warm-up specials will await participants at The Station after the 3 p.m. cut off time, Page said, who hopes this year’s event is as successful as previous ones.

For more information, please call 250-342-5557.