We’re thrilled to report that the Mount Polley Fishing Derby held May 20-22, 2023 at Cedar Point Park on Quesnel Lake was a huge success! With approximately 300 eager participants and 350 enthusiastic attendees, the event was buzzing with excitement and camaraderie.
Let’s dive right into the highlight of the derby: the winners! In the adult category, Elia Hetu reeled in a whopping 21.8-pound catch, earning him the well-deserved first place and a prize of $1500 generously donated by Van Kam Freightways. Following closely behind, Ed Stoelwinder secured second place with an impressive 10.02-pound catch, bagging $750. Ryan Tardif and Ron Robinson also showcased their angling skills, taking home $500 and $250, respectively, for their catches of 9.95-pounds and 8.97-pounds.
Derby winner (adult category) Elia Hetu with his 21.8-pound catch.
The little anglers stole the show in the children’s category. Although we don’t have the exact weights recorded, Jenner McNaughton clinched the first-place spot, earning $250. Talon Bremner and Brady Spurn displayed their fishing prowess, securing second and third place with prizes of $200 and $150, respectively. Young Conner Daily also showed great potential, receiving a prize of $50.
Derby winner (kids category) Jenner McNaughton with his winning catch and prize.
Other winners in the kids category
Little Anglers
As if all that wasn’t exciting enough, Tammy Wiggins sailed away as the boat winner! The boat and trailer were donated by Mount Polley, and Brad Paddison Contracting Ltd donated the motor. We hope Tammy enjoys the well-deserved victory on the waters.
Tammy Wiggins receiving the boat giveaway prize from Kelly Parker, Mine Manager at Mount Polley mine.
Beyond the excitement of the competition, the fishing derby brought together the community for a greater cause. On behalf of Imperial Metals, Don Parsons presented Lisa Kraus from the Likely and District Chamber of Commerce with a $19,400 donation. This donation will contribute towards the development of a playground at Cedar Point Park—a place where our children can play and make lasting memories.
Throughout the fishing derby, attendees were in for some fantastic surprises. The dance held afterward awarded lucky winners with two $200 Visa cards donated by Orica. Additionally, Wendy Tuerlings from the Saturday market contributed $90, and Veronica and Ed Johnson of The Mobile Diner kindly donated towards the cause. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all these individuals and businesses for their generosity.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the diligent efforts of Allison Gainer, Tasha Gainer, Wes Gainer, Darren Gets, Tracy Telford, Birgit Gray, Kelly Parker and the entire Mount Polley team. Their dedication to organizing the event and ensuring its success deserves a big round of applause!
Last, but certainly not least, we want to thank our incredible community for showing up, supporting, participating, and donating towards this event. Your enthusiasm and spirit made the Mount Polley Fishing Derby an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Let’s not forget to acknowledge the incredible local companies that supported the event behind the scenes with donations and door prizes. Your contributions helped make this derby a resounding success!
Thank You to our generous donors:
Adventure Charters, Airex, AJF, Andres, Applied, Big Rock Consulting, Bk two way radio, BPC, Brandt Tractor, CAC, Cache Creek Machine, Canadian Tire, Cariboo Propane, Cariboo Steel, Chamco, Checkmate, Chucks, CIR, Cool Clear Water, CTT, D&S electric, Delainey’s Lock and Key, DWB, EB Horsman, Echofar, Epiroc, Esco, ESS, Finning, First Truck, Fountain Tire, FTMS, GFL, Golder/WSP, Guillevin, Home Hardware, Intequip, ISCO, JDS, Joy Global, Lake Town Furniture, LCF, Leavitt Machinery, Leavitt Safety, Lockyer Services, ME Global, Metso, Minnow Environmental, Molycop, Mount Polley Mining Corporation, Mueller, Norcan, Northlands, Orica, Pacific Rim Energy, Polycorp, PRI, Quadra, RJS, RL7, Russell Smith/Watersmith, Sandale, Sandronic, Shaw’s, SMS, SRK, Starwest, Summit Valve, Sunrise Ford, Tasco, Taylor Auto, TKC, Tundra, UR, Van Kam, Van Kam Freightways, VWR, Wales Mountain Contracting, Westburne, Western Belting, Westlund, WFE, White Water Consulting, Wiseworth, Williams Lake Forestry.
We’re already counting down the days until the next Mount Polley Fishing Derby. Until then, let’s cherish the memories made, the friendships forged, and the joy shared during this fantastic community event.
Stay hooked, folks!