6th Annual Bass Blast Welcomes Approximately 150 Young Anglers!

Written by admin on 09 July 2013

Photos and information provided by Jeff Anderson

: Taylor Belisle-Cryder, Stacia Salesse, Ontario Fire Rangers Irene Marszowski, Smokey Bear (Ben McAlpine), Andre Proteau and Cam Gross and Retired Conservation Officer Mike Regis.

Grand Prize winners, Pamela Martin and her father Derek Martin, pose with their mountain of prizes.

RAINBOW FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK, ON – Saturday, July 6th the 6th Annual Bass Blast kids fishing derby was hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and local OPP Detachment. (Click here for full details)

The annual derby is non-competitive, focusing on the fun of fishing, it is part of the Canada-wide celebration, National Fishing Week, and Ontario’s Family Fishy Week, July 6th through 14th.

Forest Fire Prevention was this year’s theme with children completing a Smokey Bear Forest Fire Prevention worksheet challenge. The incredible grand prize, donated by Dr. McLeod from the Aguasabon Medical Clinic and Home Hardware Terrace Bay, consisted of:

North Face 6 person tent,
2 Roots sleeping bags and mats,
two kids folding chairs,
picnic kit with cooler,
Colman LED Lantern,
a tackle kit,
Inferred barbeque,
First Aid kit
Fire extinguisher.

Kade and Kian Michtics, Smokey Bear (Ben McAlpine), Conservation Officer Jeff Anderson. DSCN0936.jpg- Conservation Officer Paul Dennis.

The lucky Grand Prize winners, drawn randomly from among all those who completed the fire prevention worksheet, were Terrace Bay residents Pamela Martin and her father Derek Martin.

The day wrapped up with each of the participating anglers, approximately 150 kids and their parents, choosing a prize from among the many provided with the generous support of local businesses.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jeff Anderson thanked all those who participated, volunteered and contributed to make the 6th Annual Bass Blast fishing derby a wonderful success! Among this year’s generous sponsors were; Fishing Forever, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding worthwhile fishing, conservation and education projects, the Police Association of Ontario, Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Canadian Tire, Ministry of Natural Resources Nipigon District, Ontario Provincial Police Schreiber and Nipigon Detachments, and the Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA). (Scroll down for video interview with Jeff Anderson and footage from the derby below the photo gallery).

Ashton Riley, Kade, Kian Michtics and Off Duty OPP Seargent Paul Michtics.

6th ANNUAL BASS BLAST PHOTO GALLERY

^{(photos submitted by Jeff Anderson)}

: Gerry, Raoul, Cos, Girolamo, and Giorgio Figliomeni, Conservation Officer Ken Tuuri and Junior Ranger Cosimo Commisso.

: Volunteer, Sam Bond. Ryan and Kyle Webster, Morgan and McKenna Figliomeni. And Conservation Officer Paul Dennis.

: Ashton Riley, Kade, Kian Michtics and Off Duty OPP Sargent Paul Michtics.

: Taylor Belisle-Cryder, Stacia Salesse, Ontario Fire Rangers Irene Marszowski, Smokey Bear (Ben McAlpine), Andre Proteau and Cam Gross and Retired Conservation Officer Mike Regis.