By Robert Williams

Editor

Panfish Pirate Tackle and Guide Service owner Alex Levenhagen took it upon himself to start a new event in Vergas last year and now, with the help of the Vergas Community Club, his second annual Froze Fest is becoming the first event of the calendar year to bring the village to life.

Levenhagen went on his own last year to get the event started and now with the community club behind him, the event will be bigger and better than what was a successful first outing.

“Last year, we had a lot of fun and we had success, but it was a small event,” said Levenhagen.

About 150 people attended last year, with 50 participants in the spearing tournament.

“This year, we’d like to see 200-250 people come through the door, plus the anglers and spearers,” Levenhagen said. “We’re doing 100 buckets for the kids.”

The festival is a one-day event that includes a pike spearing tournament, ice angling tournament, a vendor show at the Event Center and a Kids Bucket Giveaway, sponsored by Feed the Fish, a non-profit organization run by Rick and Shirley Umberger of Perham.

The event also includes door prizes, a fishing raffle, community business deals and concessions provided by Ditterich Mercantile.

“The two big events are the angling tournament and the bucket giveaway out on Long Lake,” said Levenhagen.

Buckets will be located at the public access on the north side of the lake. The first 100 kids get a free bucket that is full of everything needed to get on the lake and fish. Free hot beverages and snacks will also be available. Buckets for Kids begins at noon and runs until 3 p.m.

Some initial plans have been changed, including the addition of this year’s angling tournament. At first, it was planned to be a professional event, but after completing last year’s Froze Fest, Levenhagen made a change.

“The community would benefit from a more family-oriented event,” he said. “Maybe in the long run, if the event grows we’ll add a big tournament on Sunday. The goal is to get participation up and continue to grow. Someday, it could be the Looney Days of the winter. Looney Days is huge.”

The ice show at the Event Center has added more vendors and according to Levenhagen, more vendors that appeal to women, including Tastefully Simple, Mama Stacy’s Crafts and Lady Ali Designs. Late additions to the vendor list are possible Call Alex at (218) 526-0081. There is a $5 charge to enter the show which includes entries for door prizes.

The spearing tournament allows for flexibility as it can occur on any lake. The fish need to be fresh when weighed in at the event center. Entry fee is $20 with 100 percent payback and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register the day of the event or stop into Ditterich Mercantile.

The angling tournament has a $10 entry with the same rules where people can choose any lake they want to fish as long as the catch is still fresh for weigh-in. Only one fish counts per contestant with 100 percent payout based on the number of entrants.

Weigh-in can be done all day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Event Center.

The current weather forecast is near perfect for a day on the lake with temperatures forecast to be in the low 30s.

“I’m hoping the warm weather doesn’t bring in any snow; if it held off until Sunday, that would be great,” Levenhagen said.

Vergas Community Club president Sherri Hanson noted that Levenhagen created his event and brought it to the community club as an excellent example for those who want to add events to the busy Vergas calendar..

“Alex came to the community club with a great idea and he owned it,” said Hanson. “Thanks for planning an event for Vergas.”

Awards and door prize giveaways will be held at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Event Center.

For more information, visit Ditterich Mercantile, catch a flier around town or search Panfish Pirate Tackle and Guide Service, the 2nd annual Froze Fest or the Vergas Community Club on Facebook.